Leaky heart

[OKDOK]

I took redux for 8 mo.  My echocardiogram shows regurtation to some extent in three valves.  There is enlargement in the left chambers,and pulmonary hypertention. My symtoms are leg edema, shortness of breath, and cramps in my legs when I exercise.  I also have chest pain on exertion.  My last EKG showed changes that indicated the pain was from lack of blood to heart. Heart caths show minimal blockage. My Cardiologist says there is nothing to do. I would like a second opinion. Thank you.

[Linda123]

sorry to hear about your experiences after taking Redux.  how long ago did you take it?
I took a slimming drug called tenuate dospan on and off for quite a while, my echo is normal but i have whole lot of heart disturbances and I always wonder if this is due to taking this drug.
My very best wishes to you.
Linda

[Lyn2]

There is a good website that offers support and information about pulmonary hypertension.  Your symptoms seem to go along with that, and they are discovering treatments.  They recommend seeing a specialist in pulmonary hypertension.  Many doctors don't have alot of information on this.  Please don't take, "there is nothing we can do" for an answer.  That is not acceptable.  The website I was referring to is www.phassociation.org.  Good luck.  Let us know how you do.

[debra21784]

I would certainly get a second opinion from a cardiologist at a large academic center and see if the repiair of these valves would reduce your symptoms of heart failure.The second thing I would do is get a lawyer and see if there is any recourse against the manufactures of Redux.There have been many sucessful class action suits against PHEN-PHEN, why not Redux?

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Unfortunately, redux can have an adverse affect on the heart valves especially the mitral and tricuspid valves.  There are some medications that one can take to help slow the progression of heart enlargement and which may also help blunt the severity of the valve leakage (ACE-Inhibitors). However, I do not know the the severity of leakage that you have and whether or not you would be a candidate for this therapy. At this point it seems that what your cardiologist has recommended sounds reasonable. I would discuss these medications with your cardiologist.


Thanks for your question,

CCF-MD-KE