The Link Between Raynauds Disease And Pph
Raynaud’s Disease - An Overview
Raynaud’s disease is characterized by experiencing numbness or coldness in the extremities due to temperature change or stress. Common extremities that are affected include the nose, fingers, toes, and ears. When a person suffering from Raynaud’s disease is exposed to cold or experiencing stress, the blood flow to their extremities is reduced due to the narrowing of the veins and blood vessels. This causes the blood to be low in oxygen, turning extremities blue or white and leaving them feeling cold or numb. Although this disease is most commonly found in women, men may experience the effects of Raynaud’s disease as well.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension occurs when the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery increases, causing the right side of the heart to work overtime in order to convert the carbon dioxide in the blood to oxygen. If the blood pressure is too high, the blood does not receive the proper amount of oxygen, causing the veins and blood vessels to become even more constricted. If left untreated, the condition could lead to right-sided heart failure. Most recently, cases of PPH have developed after patients began using diet drugs containing Fen-Phen. This dangerous drug caused the heart’s veins and vessels to shrink, or constrict, causing blood pressure to rise. Soon after these dangerous health complications were discovered, the FDA pulled the drug from the market; however, for those who had already been affected by the drug, it was too late.
PPH is often treated with the use of beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and oxygen therapy. These treatments attempt to optimize the left side of the heart in order to relieve the right side from over exerting itself. If you have been diagnosed with PPH and believe that your condition was caused by defective weight loss drugs or other medications, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney. A skilled lawyer will know how best to proceed with legal action and can provide you the guidance you need.
The Link
Studies suggest that people with Raynaud’s disease are much more likely to develop PPH. The constriction of the veins and blood vessels that occurs due to Raynaud’s disease easily lends itself to the development of PPH, whether or not the person with Raynaud’s disease has used weight loss drugs containing Fen-Phen. Studies have yet to determine what might occur if a person suffering from Raynaud’s disease was to use weight loss drugs containing Fen-Phen, however, the science behind the conditions show that the outcome would not be favorable for the Fen-Phen user.
If you or a loved one has suffered from PPH due to the use of a defective weight loss drug or other defective medication, contact an experienced PPH attorney immediately to discuss your legal rights.
Joseph Devine
Tags: Fen Phen, Pulmonary Hypertension, weight loss drugs, PPH