Ephedra PAH & PPH

Ephedra in Dexatrim & Herbal Life Products - PAH & PPH

Ephedra in Dexatrim Natural, Dexatrim Results & St. John's Wort can cause PPH & PAH

Ephedra (Ma Huang) can cause Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Scientific studies have linked ephedrine alkaloids from dietary,nutritional and herbal supplements to Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Both PPH & PAH are both rare and often fatal disease that results in the progressive narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs which as a result causes high blood pressure in these blood vessels and eventually leads to heart failure. The lungs contain millions of tiny blood vessels called capillaries.

These capillaries are extremely small, just wide enough for blood cells to move through.The capillaries are lined with endothelial cells that prevent blood from leaking out of the vessel. The outside of the blood vessels are muscle type cells that expand and contract as blood moves through from the heart into the lungs. PPH & PAH can cause the cell lining of the lung's blood vessels to weaken and allow leakage. The leaking of blood out of the vessels causes the muscles that surround the blood vessels to constrict. This continuous constriction increases the pressure within the blood vessels and cuts off blood flow. The constriction gradually worsens, eventually increasing the pulmonary arterial pressure. Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH) is the result of other types of lung disease, abnormal breathing processes or heart disease.

Some other possible causes of PPH & PAH include immune system disease, congenital heart defects, portal hypertension, HIV infection, Collagen Vascular Disease, amphetamine use, and intravenous drug use or other chemical exposures. The use of certain appetite suppressants, such as Pondimin (fenfluramine) and Redux (dexfenfluramine), and St John's Wort have been found to greatly increase the risk of developing PPH. In years past, many diet and nutrionalional supplements such as Metabolife, Dexatrim Natural, Herbal Life Products and Dexatrim Results contained ephedra. Other products that are known to have contained substances that can cause PPH and PAH include certain brands of nasal decogestants and a herbal product known as St. John's Wort.

Symptoms of PPH & PAH

Shortness of breath following exertion,
Excessive Fatigue,
Ankle Swelling,
Bluish Lips and skin
Fainting, and/or
Chest pain

Ephedra Causes PPH & PAH

Ephedra (Ma Huang) a type of amphetamine like compound that can cause Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) & Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Ephedrine (e-fed-rin) a-methylamino-l phenyl-l propanol, is an alkaloid from the leaves of Ephededra equisetina, E. Sinica, and other species (family Gnetaceae) It is also called Ephedra & Ma Huang, the plant source for the Alkaloid ephedrine. Indigenous to China, India and parts of South East Asia. Theses are amphetamine-like compounds with powerful and potentially lethal stimulant effects on the central nervous system and the heart. Research is underway that may show a link to ephedra ( ephedrine alkaloids) and primary pulmonary hypertension. Between 1967 and 1973, a 10-fold increase in unexplained pulmonary hypertension was reported in central Europe.

The rise was subsequently traced to aminorex fumarate, an amphetamine-like drug introduced in Europe in 1965 to control appetite. Only about 1 in 1,000 people who took the drug developed PPH. When they stopped taking the drug, some improved considerably; in others, the disease kept getting worse. Once aminorex was removed from the market, the incidence of PPH went down to normal levels.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Risk Factors

The following risk factors have been categorized based on the strength of the association with PPH and their probable causal role. "Definite" indicates an association based on several concordant observations, including a major controlled study or a clear epidemic. Definite risk factors are considered to play a causal role in the development of the disease. "Very likely" indicates several concordant observations (including large case series and studies) that are not attributable to considered biases, or a general consensus among experts. "Possible" indicates as association based on case series, registries, or expert opinions. "Unlikely" indicates risk factors that have been proposed but have not been found to have any association from controlled studies.

Ephedrine, Ephedra & Ma Huang - How do they work?

Ephedrine, Ephedra or Ma Huang and other products containing these extracts have according to the FDA, caused hundreds of illnesses, including heart attacks, seizures, strokes and numerous deaths. These amphetamine like compounds act as stimulants that can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias) Ephedrines act in a similar way as that of adrenaline. The ephedrine dilates the bronchial muscles, contacts the nasal mucosa, raises the blood pressure and is a cardiac stimulant. Further these compounds often cause psychological side effects such as depression, nervousness, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. When taken in combination with caffeine, ephedrine can over-stimulate the central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening results.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) & Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Lawsuit

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 Deaxtrim Natural, Herbal Life Products, St John's Wort and Dexatrim Results diet pills or others. Due to the nature of this serious and devastating disease process, PAH & 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 / PAH 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. All cases taken on a contingency fee basis.

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.