Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow and oxygen delivered to the heart muscle (myocardium) itself is insufficient and a portion of the heart muscle actually dies (becomes infarcted). Heart attacks are sometimes, but not always, preceded by angina. Angina is heart pain due to coronary artery disease. It is usually recurrent, and sometimes precipitated by physical exercise, emotional upset or excitement, or consumption of a meal.
The pain of heart attack is typically severe, located in the center of the chest, pressure-like and persistent. It may be associated with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and radiation of pain into the arm, shoulder, back, neck and jaw. The heart attack may be precipitated by the same factors as angina. Heart attacks often occur at night and in the early morning.
Negative laboratory tests do not rule out a heart attack. Nor does a normal EKG. Treatment varies greatly depending upon a number of factors, which may include oral or intravenous administration of nitroglycerin, aspirin, antiarrhythmic drugs (medications to prevent an abnormal heartbeat from developing), morphine for pain relief, oxygen or "clot-busting" drugs; angioplasty with placement of stents in the coronary arteries; and coronary bypass.
In general, the sooner the diagnosis is established and treatment is instituted, the better the outcome. Misdiagnosis and delay can result in otherwise preventable heart damage and death.
Holding Physicians Accountable for Negligence in Diagnosis
Heart attacks may be misdiagnosed as heartburn, acid indigestion, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, often seen with hiatal hernia) or similar conditions. For reasons that are unclear, a significant number of people having a heart attack will experience pain relief from antacids. Response to antacids, therefore, cannot be used to rule out a heart attack.
In consultation with specialists in cardiology, cardiac surgery and other fields of medicine, our New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis attorneys at The Kauffman Firm will analyze your case and provide you with answers about whether or not malpractice occurred. If so, we may be able to recover money damages to compensate you and your family for pain and suffering, medical care and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, loss of life, and other damages.
Call Us at 505-814-1823 to Discuss Your Failure-to-Diagnose Lawsuit
Based in Albuquerque, our team of experienced trial lawyers handles cases nationwide. If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice in the misdiagnosis of a heart attack, do not hesitate to contact our law firm at 505-814-1823 or by e-mail to discuss your options.
