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Can A Doctor Misdiagnose a Heart Attack?

medical malpractice

Have you ever experienced a tight pain in your chest along with dizziness and discomfort? Are you feeling increasingly tired and weak? If so, there’s a good chance you may have experienced a heart attack.

Experts estimate that 2-8% of those who visit the ER with heart attack symptoms get misdiagnosed, which can lead to early death or severe complications. Missed heart attacks are also one of the leading causes of medical malpractice claims. Learn the facts about misdiagnosed heart attacks below.

How Does a Doctor Misdiagnose a Heart Attack?

While heart attacks are very common, their symptoms are not always clear to doctors. One of the leading signs is pressure in the chest, but women are more likely to experience other symptoms first. That’s why doctors may initially suspect other conditions are causing a woman’s symptoms instead of a heart attack. On top of that, doctors have a preconceived notion that most heart attack victims are older, but that’s not always the case. A heart attack can happen to young adults, but it’s rarely considered by health care providers. Take a look at some of the most common signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Nausea
  • Feeling dizzy, weak and light-headed
  • Cold sweats
  • Pain in your back, neck, shoulder, jaw and chest
  • Intense fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

The leading reason why a heart attack might be misdiagnosed is because your doctor attributes these types of symptoms to a different condition. Your doctor may believe the symptoms are indicators of heartburn, anxiety or even a pulled muscle. On top of that, if the victim isn’t considered a high-risk patient, then a heart attack may be the last thing they suspect.

Can I Seek Financial Compensation for a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis?

If your heart attack was misdiagnosed as heartburn or anxiety, then the damage of your heart attack will go unnoticed by health care professionals. You won’t get the treatment you need, and it could mean that your body will have another heart attack that’s even worse than the first. If you were misdiagnosed, then you might be able to seek out compensation for your losses. These losses can include your medical bills, the costs of ongoing medical care, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Contact A Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to medical malpractice in New Jersey? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Edison heart attack misdiagnosis attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout New Jersey, including Edison, Freehold, Brick, and Point Pleasant. Call us today at 732-564-7165 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820 and we also have offices in Freehold, Brick, Point Pleasant.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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