What is Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)?

The congenital heart defect “Coarctation of the Aorta,” or CoA for short, refers to the the tapering of the aorta, the primary blood vessel that divides off from the heart and transports oxidized blood to the other areas of the body. When the aorta is narrowed, the heart needs to pump harder in order to squeeze blood through the tighter portion of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can vary from moderate to very grave. In some instances, CoA may not even be identified until adulthood. This condition frequently occurs along with other types of congenital heart conditions. Although successful treatments and surgeries for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) exist, this condition necessitates vigilant follow-up from infancy through adulthood.

Coarctation of the Aorta Symptoms

The gravity of CoA symptoms fluctuate depending on the severity of the disorder. In other words, the narrower the aorta becomes, the more pronounced the symptoms will be. Children with considerable aortic narrowing exhibit symptoms earlier in life, while more moderate patients might not even be diagnosed until adulthood. Babies born with serious coarctation of the aorta will usually exhibit symptoms very soon after birth. Common CoA symptoms include:

• Severe Sweatiness
• Trouble breathing
• Bad temper
• Washed out skin color
• High blood pressure (typical of undiagnosed adults)
• Can potentially result in heart failure, or even death

Lexapro and Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta, or CoA for short, is one of several types of congenital heart defects. Congenital Heart defect simply means that the condition was present at birth. In the majority of cases, the origin of CoA cannot be determined. However, Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) most likely takes place when the pulmonary valve does not grow normally during fetal development. Recent medical studies have shown a heightened risk of a child being born with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) when the mother ingests an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy. Examples of SSRI antidepressants include: Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac,Celexa, Effexor & Lexapro. This makes sense because during fetal development babies are very sensitive to what the mother ingests. Many mothers who took Lexapro (or other SSRIs) and had children born with CoA or other birth defects choose to file lawsuits against the manufacturor because they believe that they should have been adequately informed prior to being prescribed the medication.

Lexapro Coarctation of the Aorta Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

The Willis Law firm is currently handling individual congenitatl heart defect and birth defect lawsuits including Lexapro Birth Defects lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. We are also currently accepting new Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro cases nation-wide. If your child was born CoA or other defect that you believe to be caused by taking an SSRI during pregnancy, then you should contact the Willis Law Firm for a free confidential review of your potential Lexapro lawsuit. All Lexapro cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis, meaning you will not be charged unless we recover.