What is Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS)?
Mitral valve stenosis (MVS), also known simply as mitral stenosis is a rare disorder where the mitral valve of the heart is stenotic (narrowed). The unusual heart valve is unable to open correctly, which blocks the flow of blood leaving into the left ventricle which is the primary blood-pumping chamber in the heart. Some patients with mitral valve stenosis (MVS) will tire easily and/or become short of breath along with other complications.
One main known cause of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is an infection known as rheumatic fever which is related to strep infections. Recent studies claim that there is also an increased risk of birth defects such as mitral valve stenosis (MVS) when certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are taken during all or part of pregnancy. Currently Wellbutrin is a Pregnancy Category C drug as denoted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that while there has not been conclusive proof of damage to fetuses in human testing, there has been confirmatory evidence that Wellbutrin can damage the fetuses of pregnant animals.
Mitral Valve Stenosis Symptoms
In many cases, patients with mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may show little or no sign of the disorder. However, some symptoms that are initially mild may suddenly deteriorate. Some potential symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
- Heavy coughing, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Rarely, chest discomfort or chest pain
- Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
- Fatigue, especially during times of increased physical activity
- Frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis
In many cases, symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may appear to similar to those of other heart valve defects. They tend to deteriorate during times of increased heart rate or even in times of an infection. Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) also tend to appear similar to those of heart failure. In cases of MVS, pressure builds in the heart and is sent to the lungs which may cause a fluid buildup and shortness of breath.
Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney
Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.
Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.