Misdiagnosis of Heart Attacks in Virginia is a Cause of Lawsuits

What Are the Reasons for the Failure to Treat Heart Attacks in Virginia?

1. Incorrect diagnosis

The symptoms of a more minor heart attack often mimic other health conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, or even anxiety attacks. A medical professional may not realize you are having a heart attack.

2. Few Symptoms

Sometimes heart attacks have minimal symptoms. On occasions, people who suffered a heart attack may report nothing more serious than nausea, unusual fatigue or shakiness. This can trick medical professionals.

3. Readings are normal

Heart attacks are measured with electrocardiograms (EKGs). Although the equipment is usually reliable it can give inaccurate readings. EKGs can show relatively normal readings post-heart attack. Although they are not 100% accurate, doctors lean heavily on them when they decide if a cardiac arrest occurred.

4. Patient stereotypes

Older men who are overweight with a history of hypertension, high cholesterol or past heart disease are more likely to suffer a heart attack. They fit the stereotypical heart attack victim. Unfortunately, medical professionals sometimes miss the signs of a cardiac arrest in people outside this demographic profile. Doctors may overlook certain demographics like younger women with fatal results.

Statistics show women die of heart attacks in as large numbers as men. Heart attacks killed 299,578 women in 2017, accounting for 1 in 5 female deaths.

Who is Responsible for Misdiagnosis of Heart Attacks in Virginia?

A wide range of medical professionals can be sued for medical malpractice over the misdiagnosis of heart attacks in Virginia or delays that lead to a patient’s death or other serious complications. They include:

• Emergency room doctors
• Consulting physicians
• Triage nurses
• Interns and medical students
• Cardiologists and other specialists
• Hospitals and other medical facilities

Some research suggests more heart attacks are missed or misdiagnosed in rural hospitals or places with fewer cardiac arrests due to the relative inexperience of staff.