Blood clots represent one of the most dangerous Yasmin side effects because the clots can form within a deep vein. The condition is called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. It can lead to pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke. Your deep veins are buried within groups of muscles. When you move, those muscles contract and squeeze your veins, pushing blood toward your heart. If a blood clot develops within a deep vein, the squeezing activity of your muscles can dislodge it. Dislodged from its site, the clot can be carried along with your bloodstream toward your heart. If the embolus (i.e. a traveling blood clot) reaches a major artery, it can have devastating consequences. D-dimer Test When your body needs to form a clot in order to heal a damaged blood vessel, it manufactures a chemical called thrombin. Thrombin produces fibrin, which forms the protein-based mesh of the clot. It also activates a clot-dissolving mechanism. As a blood clot begins to slowly dissolve, it releases particles known as D-dimers. A D-dimer test identifies the presence of these particles and thereby, the possibility that deep vein thrombosis exists. A D-dimer test is rarely conclusive. While a negative indication (i.e. the test does not identify D-dimers) all but rules out Yasmin DVT, a positive result can be caused by infection or inflammation. Doppler Ultrasound A Doppler ultrasound is the most common test performed to diagnose DVT. It uses high-frequency sound waves to track blood flow within your veins and arteries. The test generates two-dimensional color images that a specialist can study in order to identify blood clots. The images can also be compared over time to measure a clot's growth. Though a Doppler ultrasound is useful for tracking blood flow and noting obstructions, it is not infallible. It can overlook blood clots, especially in the lower leg. Venography This test relies upon a special dye that is injected into your bloodstream and studied through X-rays. While a venogram is accurate in highlighting blood clots, it is invasive. As a result, doctors seldom perform it, preferring instead to use ultrasounds. Impedance Plethysmography Occasionally, impedance plethysmography is use to diagnose Yasmin deep vein thrombosis. It requires electrodes that can identify changes in the volume of blood within your veins. However, it does not directly identify clots. To that end, it has a much lower sensitivity for detecting DVT than a Doppler ultrasound. CT Scans And MRIs Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide detailed, cross-sectional images that can accurately identify the presence of blood clots. However, because these tests are time-consuming and require a skilled technician to analyze, they are seldom used to diagnose DVT. Exceptions include cases in which an ultrasound exam is inappropriate for a patient. Because Yasmin deep vein thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke, diagnosing the condition is critical. If you are taking Yasmin birth control pills, consider asking your doctor to check for blood clots. If you have already suffered from DVT or any of its life-threatening side effects after using this oral contraceptive, you may have a legal right to file a claim.
Article Source: http://www.articlecontentprovider.com/articlesubmit
Blood clots represent one of the most dangerous Yasmin side effects because the clots can form within a deep vein. The condition is called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. It can lead to pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke.
Mark Johnson is author of this article on Yaz class action. Find more information about Yasmin class action here.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 5 4 out of 5 3 out of 5 2 out of 5 1 out of 5
