Medtronic Lawsuit Attorneys, Williams Kherkher

Risk Factors for Arrhythmias

With all diseases and conditions, there are certain risk factors that increase a person's odds of developing that disease. For arrhythmias these include:

Age

Age is the biggest risk factor as it affects everyone. As a person ages, his or her heart muscle naturally weakens and loses some of its suppleness and flexibility, like all muscles. This may affect how electrical impulses are conducted through the muscle and the heart’s rhythm.

Genetics

Some families have a history of arrhythmias. In addition, being born with a heart abnormality tied to a genetic change can affect a person's electrical function.

Coronary Artery Disease, Other Heart Problems, and Previous Heart Surgery

A person with narrowed heart arteries, a history of heart attack, abnormal valves, prior heart surgery, cardiomyopathy, and a variety of other diseases that have damaged the heart and the heart muscle are risk factors for nearly any type of arrhythmia.

Thyroid Problems

When the thyroid gland releases excess hormones, the metabolism speeds up. This faster metabolism can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat and is most commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. When the thyroid gland releases inadequate hormone levels, metabolism slows down. This can cause bradycardia.

Drugs and Supplements

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine as well as prescription drugs can contribute to arrhythmia development. Ephedra, an herbal supplement, also increases the risk of arrhythmia. Because of this concern, the Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra from the marketplace.

Contact a Medtronic Lawsuit Attorney

If you have been given a Medtronic defibrillator with SprintFidelis leads and experienced unnecessary shocks, you may have legal options available. Contact the Medtronic recall attorneys of Williams Kherkher to discuss these options and your case at 800-761-3187 today.