Phentermine and Mitral Valve

  : : I have been on phentermine for the past 2 12 yrs. on and off for weight loss/control.
  : : Have there been any documented cases of heart problems due to the use of this drug?  I know there has
  : : been much contoversy concerning the use of phen/fen comb.  I did not take the combination,
  : : only the phentermine/adipex/fastin.  I have had some symptoms such as complete numbness in my arms especially at night and
  : : primarily my left arm.  Also feeling fullness in my chest sometimes experiencing pressure and twinges of pain.  When I hav espoken of this to my Dr.
  : : he has diagnosed me with esophogial reflux disorder.  What is your opinion and again are there diagnosed cases of this with the use of these drugs?  What  
  : : are the syptoms (symptoms) of mitral valve problems?  Thank you.
  : Dear Julie
  : Regarding your symptoms, it is difficult for me to say what they are due to from a distance. Though not classic-sounding for heart disease, they could potentially be related to angina (inadequate blood flow to the heart). In addition, obesity is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
  : I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck.
  : If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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Dear Julie
I do not know of any well-documented cases.
Significant mitral valve problems usually cause some degree of shortness of breath, in particular with exertion. They can also contribute to certain types of irregular heart beats.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.