Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States and across the world, and the symptoms of heart disease an potential heart attack can be difficult to spot without the advise of a doctor. Even so, in some rare cases, patients are turned away rom treatment, symptoms disregarded, or otherwise negligently treated which can lead to an otherwise preventable heart attack occurring.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
The most common symptom of coronary artery disease, or heart disease is angina, which os often described as chest pains with associated with discomfort, pressure or aching of the chest. Other symptoms are:
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Heart Palpitations
- Difficulty Breathing
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
- Perspiration
- Nausea
While heart disease often takes decades to manifest into a condition with notable symptoms, late stage coronary artery disease should be diagnosed with regular doctors visits.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of an impending heart attack are similar to the symptoms of heart disease, but more pronounced. Patients with such symptoms would surely feel it necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
It is absolutely critical that a potential heart attack be treated immediately to prevent as much heart damage as possible.
Misdiagnosis of Heart Disease or Heart Attack
There have been numerous cases cited where a patient was admitted to an emergency room or urgent care clinic with classical symptoms of heart attack, only to be released with a diagnosis of heart burn or other misdiagnosis.
Such a misdiagnosis can potentially be the result of negligent medical treatment, and grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Bringing a Claim for Hospital or Doctor Malpractice
For patients who have suffered heart attack that should have been prevented, a claim can be made against the treating hospital or doctor for medical malpractice. In some cases, patients have lost their lives due to the carelessness of medical staff, and their family members are afforded the right to file a medical malpractice claim for the wrongful death of their loved one.
In order to bring a complaint in civil court for medical malpractice, a specialized medical malpractice attorney will need to be consulted, as these types of cases are highly complicated and a very difficult area of law to navigate.
