Heart Attack Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Approximately five million people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms with heart attack symptoms each year. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are similar to common non-life threatening conditions, and doctors continue to misdiagnose the patient’s severe medical condition.
Common Diagnosis Mistakes
Some of the most common mistakes made during the diagnosis a heart attack include failure to diagnose the condition in younger patients, failure to recognize the condition in women, and improperly reading a patient’s ECG. Doctors commonly fail to assess the patient’s age, previous heart conditions, medical history, and the patient’s lifestyle. Failure to diagnose a heart attack often occurs in the emergency room or the patient’s primary care office.
Misdiagnosing Women
A recent Yale School of Public Health study found that lesser-known heart attack symptoms, especially in women, aren’t recognized by doctors and patients alike. Non-chest pain symptoms are often disregarded as acid reflux when in actuality, they’re a sign of something more serious. Doctors commonly misdiagnose female heart attack symptoms as stroke or even anxiety attacks. A New England Journal of Medicine study found that women under 55 were seven times more likely to have their heart attack misdiagnosed than men.
Approaching Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
When a patient survives a heart attack misdiagnosis, he or she can suffer physical, emotional, and financial hardships for years after. Seeking legal assistance can help patients and their families cope with the new changes. If you or a loved one have experienced a heart attack misdiagnosis, reach out to an experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyer today. The lawyers at Cardaro and Peek are looking forward to your call.
Contact The Law Offices of Cardaro & Peek, LLC Today
The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims.