Antidepressants May Lead to Ventricular Septal Defects

by Josephine Osborn

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned both health care service providers and their patients about the side effects of paroxetine antidepressant Paxil. Studies suggested that Paxil increases the risk of birth defects on infants of mothers who used it during the first three months of gestation. These birth defects may come in the form of physical deformities such as irregular head sizes, cardiovascular complications or mental disorders such as autism.

The FDA likewise issued a "black box" warning for contraindications of Paxil which included suicidal behavior among adolescent users and cardiovascular complications. Birth defects, however, are the most complained about side effect of Paxil intake which has been the subject of various lawsuits against is manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. Most of the heart defects reported among infants in these studies were atrial and ventricular septal defects, which prompted the FDA to change Paxil's pregnancy warning category from C to D.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects, which is often present upon birth. The infant may show no symptoms, and the hole may eventually close as the wall continues to grow after birth. However, if the hole is large, too much blood will be pumped to the lungs, leading to heart failure, says the UMMC.

The American Heart Association also says that if the opening is large, the child may breathe faster and harder than normal. Infants may have trouble feeding and growing at a normal rate. Over time, this may cause permanent damage to the lung blood vessels of the infant because more blood than normal is being pumped there. According to the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, heart failure may be regulated through heart stimulating drugs which will eventually help the child grow naturally. However, Cedars-Sinai adds that if the baby does not respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair the defect.

The FDA has already verified some complaints that associated Paxil to ventricular septal defect. Other cardiovascular complications that constitute Paxil birth defects are persistent pulmonary hypertension on newborns, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and hypoplasia. Although, more studies are required to substantiate these claims, the link between Paxil and the aforementioned birth defects are increasingly becoming clear, warranting more interest and concern.

Heart Rhythm is Slowing Down?

 by Bruce S Parsons

Feeling fatigued? Dizzy sometimes for no apparent reason? Finding it difficult to stay awake or focus without getting lightheaded?

Check your pulse! If it is less than sixty beats per minute, you may be suffering from a slow heart rate, or bradycardia. This can be due to many different factors, some related to heart function, others due to dietary or lifestyle habits. It is important, however, that if you feel faint, or are experiencing lasting chest pains or difficulty in drawing breathe, that you get emergency care at the earliest opportunity.

For some people, a resting heart rate less than sixty beats per minute can be considered normal. Trained athletes and others in peak physical condition frequently have slower resting heart rates than average individuals. It is important to note, though, that they do not exhibit any of the negative side effects normally associated with bradycardia, as their bodies are functioning properly, and sufficient oxygen-rich blood is flowing to necessary organs. Through extensive training, they have shaped their bodies to be stronger, and function properly when resting, even though clinically speaking they have bradycardia.

A heart rate of less than one hundred beats per minute is considered bradycardia in infants. Normally, infants should have a heart rate of between 120 to 160 beats per minute. Researchers are still working to determine the causes; though it is theorized that bradycardia in infants could potentially be caused by yet-underdeveloped centers in the brain that regulate breathing. Also, premature babies are more likely to exhibit bradycardia than those born full-term. In minor cases, rocking the incubator or touching the child lightly is known to remedy the matter. In severe or potentially life-threatening cases, medications containing caffeine or theophylline are used. Premature babies are monitored extensively, and their hearts are no exception.

As we all know, the heart is regulated by electrical impulses. Many factors can modify this, the most common being aging. High blood pressure can also be a reason, or an underactive thyroid gland. Certain congenital defects could be the reason, or an infection of the heart tissue later in life. People who have heart disease or suffered a heart attack could later exhibit bradycardia also. Certain drugs can influence heart rate to a great degree, and if they are abused, severe bradycardia can manifest, resulting in hospitalization in fortunate cases, or death if left untreated.

Summarily, if you have a pain in your chest lasting over a minute, or if you faint or can't seem to catch your breath, call an ambulance immediately. Exercise regularly, eat well, and live life to its fullest!