Claiming Compensation for Cardiac Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis of the underlying causes of chest pain can leave a patient with false reassurance as to their condition and may justify a claim for compensation if the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome.
Chest pain can have a number of different causes, some considerably more sinister than others. It is not always clear what is causing the patient's symptoms and it is crucial that serious conditions are not mistaken for the less serious such as indigestion.
A failure to recognise that a patient is developing a serious cardiac condition may mean that they return home reassured only to suffer a heart attack at a later date.
It is essential, therefore, that the patient undergoes a thorough assessment and that any lingering doubts as to the diagnosis should prompt medical practitioners to seek specialist advice or refer the patient to a specialist.
Risk factors for cardiac problems
Part of an assessment of a patient with chest pain should include assessing whether they present with any risk factors which might suggest that their chest pain is related to the heart.
Risk factors for cardiac problems include being overweight, being a smoker, having high blood pressure, suffering with diabetes and having high cholesterol.
It is also important to check if the patient has a personal or family history of cardiac problems as this may indicate the possible cause of their symptoms.
A failure by medical professionals to take these personal risk factors into account or even to record their assessment of these factors might be regarded as substandard care.
Assessment of symptoms
Symptoms which might indicate that a patient is in danger of or suffering from a heart attack include the following:
- Tightness and pain in the chest, with pain possibly travelling down the neck and arms
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Feeling clammy and sweaty
The patient may need to go to hospital immediately.
The impact of misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis of chest pain can prove catastrophic if the patient subsequently suffers a heart attack.
Similarly, a patient with symptoms of this nature may be suffering with a pulmonary embolism and a failure to consider this possible diagnosis can lead to the patient suffering a stroke.
Ignoring or misunderstanding symptoms, or failing to make a referral for further tests can lead to an accusation of negligence and, should the patient suffer a poor long-term outcome, may result in a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the severe impact of a misdiagnosis of chest pain, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Glynns is a niche medical negligence legal practice with broad expertise and extensive experience of supporting clients who have suffered from poor-quality medical care.
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