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Female Heart Attack Patients More Susceptible To Misdiagnosis, Lack Of Treatment

BIKLaw Medical Malpractice Lawyer > Medical Malpractice > Female Heart Attack Patients More Susceptible To Misdiagnosis, Lack Of Treatment

woman on the groundWhen you think of the classic heart attack symptoms, chances are that you think of a numb or tingly left arm, or of a person clutching in pain at their chest. However, these are only the classic heart attack symptoms in men.

Women who have heart attacks tend to experience them much differently. Rather than arm pain or numbness, women are more likely to feel symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, indigestion, shortness of breath, or pain in the back or jaw.

The difference in symptoms means that women are much more likely to be misdiagnosed with something like anxiety or acid reflux. According to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, women under 55 were more than seven times more likely to be misdiagnosed. These women are also twice as likely to die after being hospitalized for the attack.

Heart disease is the leading killer of both women and men in the country, taking about 1.5 million lives every year. When a person’s heart attack goes misdiagnosed, that person cannot get the treatment they need to correct the issue. The person may need to undergo surgery to clear blocked arteries, or start a course of medication. Without treatment, the person may suffer another heart attack, leading to further coronary damage or death.

Researchers believe that nearly one in 50 heart attacks is misdiagnosed. When a person with a misdiagnosed heart attack suffers additional damage because he or she did not receive treatment, the doctor who failed to catch the attack is often liable for medical malpractice.

At the Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq., our experienced staff of legal and medical professionals can evaluate your misdiagnosis and determine if you have a claim for malpractice. As both a doctor and an attorney, Bradley I. Kramer has the unique experience you need on your side to prove your case and help you get compensated for your injury.

If you would like to speak with a knowledgeable Los Angeles medical malpractice attorney, contact Bradley I. Kramer today by calling (310) 289-2600 or use our online case evaluation form to have your claim reviewed for free.

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