A glossary of terms pertaining to Vioxx

Many studies have shown that Vioxx does indeed increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other “cardiovascular events.” However unless you are a medical doctor, understanding exactly what types of heart problems Vioxx causes can be difficult. Here is a brief overview of some of the terms you may come across in your research.

Angina Pectoris – Sometimes referred to simply as “angina,” it is a condition where blockages or other causes reduce the amount of flow of blood to the heart. When the arteries are narrowed by 50 to 70 percent, the heart does not get the oxygen it needs to pump effectively, especially during exercise. This results in chest pains, shortness of breath, and early fatigue during exercise, and could be an early warning sign of severe damage of the arteries.

Myocardial Infarction – The technical medical term for “heart attack.” Like angina, this occurs when blockages or narrowing of the arteries does not allow enough blood flow to the heart. However unlike angina, it can lead to severe and permanent damage to the heart muscle. Most people survive an initial heart attack, and even in the case of lasting damage and scarring, can recover almost completely. In other cases, a heart attack can do enough damage to stop the heart completely, or send it into a fatal off-beat rhythm.

Ischemic Stroke – Like the heart, the brain requires a constant supply of blood flow to bring enough oxygen to function and survive. Blockages reduce or stop the flow of blood, causing neurons in the brain to stop firing, and then cell death within minutes. A stroke can cause total brain death, or only in affected areas of the brain.

Peripheral Thrombosis – Also known as Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), this condition is caused by a blood clot in the veins, which leads to painful swelling. DVT can be fatal if part of the clot separates and enters the heart or brain causing a blockage.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” this is a brief blockage of the arteries in or leading to the brain. It is fully recoverable.

There is no direct evidence as to why Vioxx causes these and other cardiovascular events, though one theory suggests that the drug slows or stops the body from producing a chemical that essentially helps keep the arteries healthy. Without it, the arteries start to harden, causing blockages and also making it more difficult for the arteries to widen during exercise when the heart needs more oxygen to work properly.

If you or a loved one has suffered one of these events while taking Vioxx, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates to find out what your rights are. These serious and sometimes fatal side effects were never directly admitted by its manufacturer Merck until the company removed the drug from the shelves. You may be entitled to receive compensation directly from the company to cover your medical bills, lost work, pain and suffering caused by this defective drug. Click on the link on this page and send us your case information. We will give you a free, no-obligation case review and let you know what your rights are. Contact us right now.