Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterized by the narrowing of the aorta. As a result, your heart is forced to work harder in order to force blood through the narrowed passageway. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnosis for coarctation of the aorta.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta 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.
Coarctation of the Aorta Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta may include:
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Leg cramps
- Nosebleeds
- Severe chest pain
- Fainting
- Pale skin
Coarctation of the Aorta Causes
For the most part, doctors agree that the specific causes of coarctation of the aorta in children remain unknown. However, in July 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the birth defect risks caused by using antidepressants during pregnancy. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of coarctation of the aorta 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)
Coarctation of the Aorta Risk Factors
Mothers who take antidepressant medications while pregnant, may increase the risk of their child developing coarctation of the aorta. However, coarctation of the aorta also occurs in conjunction with other congenital heart defects. If your child has any of the following heart conditions, they are more likely to develop coarctation of the aorta:
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Ventricular septal defect
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Mitral valve stenosis
For more information regarding coarctation of the aorta risk factors, please visit Mayoclinic.com.
Coarctation of the Aorta Complications
Untreated, coarctation of the aorta may lead to severe complications. Several of these complications are the result of long-standing high blood pressure caused by the aortic coarctation.
Complications of coarctation of the aorta include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Rupture of the aorta
- Premature coronary artery disease — narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart
- Weakened or bulging artery in the brain (cerebral aneurysm)
In addition, if the coarctation of the aorta is severe, your heart may not be able to pump adequate blood to the organs of your body, resulting in the failure of organs such as your kidneys or liver.
Coarctation of the Aorta Tests & Diagnosis
Doctors may use a variety of tests to confirm a diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta. These tests include:
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- MRI
- Cardiac catheterization
For more information on these tests, please visit CNN.com.
Do I have a Coarctation of the Aorta Lawsuit?
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Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.