Vioxx Side Effects
The recent controversy surrounding the side effects of Vioxx
centers around the propensity of Cox-2 inhibitors to heighten
the risk of heart attacks. This is a significant concern given
the fact that heart failure is the cause of death for 50,00 individuals
in this country each year. For Americans over the age of 65, heart
disease is the leading cause of death.
The heart is an important organ of the body that keeps tissues, organs, and systems
full of fresh, oxygenated blood. Heart failure is either caused by an arrhythmia
(an irregular heart beat) or acute pulmonary edema (a swelling).
The Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs either from coronary artery disease or from hypertension.
In the case of coronary artery disease, cholesterol builds up on the artery
walls and begins to limit the blood and oxygen that reaches the heart. As the
arteries become increasingly blocked, they essentially choke off the heart
until a heart attack occurs. While the rate of survival is fairly high, the
heart usually suffers some damage that makes it more susceptible to heart attack
and stroke in the future.
High blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, may also be responsible
causing a heart attack. With hypertension, there does not need to be an attack
for heart failure to occur. Hypertension involves a thickening of the heart
muscles as a response to increased blood pressure. Over time, the force of
the muscle contractions weaken and are not able to full relax, preventing the
normal filling of the heart with blood.
Arthritis
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints and is used to describe many rheumatic diseases and conditions. It is an extremely common condition, especially for older Americans. In fact, 40 million people in this country experience some degree of arthritis, anywhere from temporary aching of the joints to rather debilitating pain, swelling, and joint swelling in the hands, hips, lower back, knees, and other joints of the body. In addition, there can be problems with muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, etc.
Osteoarthritis
Of the 40 million Americans that suffer from arthritis, over a third of those suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes aches, pains, and swelling to those that it affects. It typically affects older Americans and often worsens with age. With osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage between the bones wears down and loses elasticity. Osteoarthritis can cause the joints to stiffen over time. As joints lose elasticity, they are more prone to pain, swelling, and damage. Nearly everyone over the age of 60 is affected by some degree of osteoarthritis, although it varies in its severity. Commonly affected areas include knees, hips, and spine, although it can also affect the finger and hand joints.
The Causes of Osteoarthritis
- Obesity - Causes undue strain and stress
- Overuse of joints - Occupation, Active Lifestyle
- Heredity - Born "double-jointed"
- Collagen- producing gene is defective
- Abnormality of the spine
- Injury - Affects the long term of a specific joint
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Enlargement of the middle and end joints of the fingers
- Painful, sore, or aching joints
- Pain after significant use (especially if inactive for a period of time)
Ulcers
One of the side effects of NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) is
their propensity to cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers. Ulcers
are essentially open sores that form either on the lining of the small intestines
or in the stomach.
The stomach breaks down the fats, proteins, and starches that we eat. Ulcers develop when the digestive fluids found within the stomach, which are used to break down food, attack the lining of the stomach. Normally, there are substances that protect the stomach and intestine linings, which are protein rich tissues. If these substances are overwhelmed by the naturally occurring enzymes and acidic material, the acid and pepsin can begin to eat away at the lining of the stomach, eventually causing ulcers to occur.
For more Vioxx side effects information, contact us to speak with a Vioxx Lawyer!