Heart attacks are one of the most dangerous forms of medical trauma that a person can suffer – but if properly treated within a short time frame, they can frequently be managed effectively. However, heart attacks are often misdiagnosed as flu symptoms or even indigestion, and patients may lose the so-called “golden hour” or the sixty minute time window within which a heart attack patient must be treated to minimize the long term effects. Doctors and other hospital staff are trained to recognize symptoms of heart attack, and when they pay careful attention the patient, take a detailed history, and use the proper diagnostic tools, they can save lives. When doctors and other health care providers misdiagnose heart attacks, causing further injury, patients and their families may have grounds for legal action.
Missed Signs of Heart Attacks
Some instances of heart attack are misdiagnosed because the symptoms aren’t as obvious. While some patients will experience the chest pain and shortness of breath, others may experience symptoms that seem flulike. Doctors should pay close attention to anyone exhibiting the following potential symptoms of heart attack:
- Weakness;
- Fatigue;
- Dizziness;
- Backache;
- Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting;
- Sweating;
- Shortness of breath;
- Chills;
- Arm, shoulder, or chest pain.
Patients who report these symptoms should be examined – and doctors or emergency room staff are trained to administer certain tests that can more clearly detect a heart attack. These tests include:
- Electrocardiograms;
- Cardiac enzyme tests;
- Coronary artery disease tests;
- Echocardiograms;
- Stress tests;
When doctors fail to order these tests, patients who could have been immediately diagnosed may be sent home with a prescription for antacids or other inappropriate treatments. Doctors and other health care providers who misdiagnose heart attacks because they neglect to order the right tests or pay close attention to the patient’s symptoms are guilty of medical malpractice – and they must be held accountable. A personal injury claim of malpractice may not restore the health of a heart attack victim, but it can pay for long term medical care and make up for the wages lost during recovery.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
Michigan Injury Lawyers represents victims and their families who have been hurt by heart attack misdiagnosis. We work with qualified medical experts to carefully review your situation and your case to determine the most effective strategy designed with your best interests in mind. We have helped many victims in Michigan recover what was rightfully theirs. We can help you and your family too.
Call Michigan Injury Lawyers at (888) 454-0801 or contact us online for an evaluation of your claim. If there is no recovery in your case, there is no fee for our services.