Pulmonary valve stenosis is a congenital birth defect characterized by the slow down of blood from your heart to your lungs due to a valve deformation. This sometimes debilitating condition causes the circulation of blood throughout the body to be extremely inefficient. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnosis, and treatments for pulmonary valve stenosis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Signs & Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis may include:
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting spells
- Fatigue
Causes of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
For the most part, doctors agree that the specific causes of pulmonary valve stenosis in children remain unknown. However, in July 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the heart defects risk caused by using antidepressants during pregnancy. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of pulmonary valve stenosis in children born to mothers who took them during pregnancy. The following is a list of antidepressant medications that have been linked to this type of birth defect:
- Paroxetine
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Fluvoxamine
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Bupropion
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Risk Factors
There are not many known risk factors associated with pulmonary valve stenosis because it is developed before birth. However, antidepressants have recently been linked to an increased risk of pulmonary valve stenosis in children born to mothers who took them during pregnancy.
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Complications
While the more mild cases of pulmonary valve stenosis rarely cause complications, severe cases my be potentially life-threatening and include:
- Infection
- Heart pumping problems
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia
- Death
For more information regarding the complications associated with pulmonary valve stenosis, please visit Mayoclinic.com.
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Tests & Diagnosis
Most pulmonary stenosis cases are often diagnosed in childhood, but sometimes it is not detected until adulthood. Tests that can detect pulmonary valve stenosis include:
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Image tests like MRI’s and CT scans
- Cardiac catheterization
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Treatments
Some cases of pulmonary stenosis are mild and don’t require treatment except for routine checkups. However, if your case is more serious, you may need either a balloon valvuloplasty or open-heart surgery. For more information on these treatments, please visit Mayoclinic.com.
Do I have a Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in pulmonary valve stenosis lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.