During the early stages of aortic valve regurgitation, a person may not experience any symptoms, but the reduced blood flow eventually can cause chest pain, palpitations or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), a serious infection in the heart (endocarditis), heart failure, and in rare cases, sudden death. Sometimes a person may only notice symptoms once heart failure develops. There are certain instances when aortic valve regurgitation can occur suddenly, and will include severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and extreme fatigue, which may need immediate medical attention. Also, if the patient's symptoms include severe shortness of breath and swelling in one's ankles or feet, this may be a fatal condition known as primary pulmonary hypertension or PPH . Medications to lower blood pressure are usually used to treat aortic valve regurgitation. If the valve leakage is severe and the heart is unable to keep up with the increase in pumping, surgery may be needed to replace the aortic valve. Like aortic valve regurgitation, mitral regurgitation usually develops over many years. In the case of mitral valve regurgitation, a significant amount of blood flows back into the left atrium through the leaky mitral valve. In an attempt to circulate this extra blood, the left ventricle pumps harder and may enlarge over time. After many years of increase pumping, the left ventricle may become weaker and symptoms of heart failure can develop. Mitral valve regurgitation,is a common disorder, but the disorder can range from mild to severe cases.

Some people will never develop symptoms and the condition may not get worse, but mitral valve regurgitation can also develop suddenly. A person may experience symptoms such as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid in the lungs and chest pain. People who develop sudden mitral regurgitation almost always need urgent surgery to repair or replace their mitral valve. A number of causes can lead to both aortic valve regurgitation and mitral regurgitation. Some causes include conditions such as aortic valve stenosis and endocarditis; infections such as rheumatic fever and syphilis; injury, such as trauma to the heart valve or aorta; inherited and autoimmune diseases; and heart abnormalities present from birth. Studies have shown that the previous use of certain weight-loss medications fenfluramine (pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux), appear to greatly increase the risk of heart valve disease. (pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux), appear to greatly increase the risk of heart valve disease. 

LEGAL OPTIONS FOR PPH PATIENTS

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), then you may have a right to file a individual legal action against the manufacturers of the diet pills or others. Due to the nature of this serious and devastating disease process, PPH patients are urged to contact an attorney immediately after he or she has been informed of their Primary Pulmonary Hypertension diagnosis. Many important legal issues need to be addressed early after a PPH diagnosis, that can affect the outcome of the PPH litigation. Call us for a Free Confidential Consultation. Talk with a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer about your legal rights of a PPH claim against the diet drug industry and others. No Fees or Expenses Charged unless we make a Recovery for You. 

Call Us Toll Free at 1-800-883-9858 or 1-800-468-4878 or E-mail us your questions on Free Case Evaluation Form.