A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen to part of the heart becomes obstructed, usually by a blood clot or arterial plaque in the coronary artery. This obstruction can cause the death of heart tissue, leading to irregular heart rhythms that decrease the heart’s ability to pump blood.

If the obstruction blocking blood flow is not corrected so that normal heart rhythms can be restored, fatal heart attacks can occur.

High estrogen, high risk of heart attack

Because the high estrogen dose received by Ortho Evra users can lead to increased blood clotting, women who use Ortho Evra are at an increased risk for birth control patch side effects, including heart attack.

The Ortho Evra patch can cause heart attacks in two ways. First, it can produce a clot in the coronary artery that can obstruct blood flow to the heart. More frequently, however, the Ortho Evra patch may cause a blood clot to form in the veins of the leg as a birth control patch side effect. If this clot becomes loose, it can travel to the heart, blocking blood flow and leading to a heart attack.

Women affected by the Ortho Evra patch

Women who have a history of heart disease or who have had a heart attack should not use the Ortho Evra patch. Women who are at risk for developing heart disease, such as those with high blood pressure or those who smoke, also should avoid the Ortho Evra patch because of the risk of birth control patch side effects. Ortho Evra users who experience chest pain or other signs of a heart attack should consult a doctor immediately.

If you have suffered a heart attack or another birth control patch side effect after using the Ortho Evra patch, you may wish to contact a birth control patch attorney to learn more about filing an Ortho Evra lawsuit.