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Denver Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyers



Advocating for Patients Who Suffered from Heart Attack Misdiagnosis

Heart attacks occur when an obstruction prevents blood flow to the heart, injuring the heart muscle. Properly evaluating a patient's symptoms and providing immediate treatment for a heart attack is necessary to prevent a patient from suffering from serious trauma. A blocked artery can result in a heart suffering tissue death due to a lack of oxygen. Even if a clot is removed, a patient's heart may still suffer serious damage, impacting their overall health for the rest of their life.

If you were a victim of a heart attack misdiagnosis due to medical negligence, you should immediately contact an attorney at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Our heart attack misdiagnosis attorneys are experienced trial attorneys who have spent decades recovering compensation for victims of medical negligence. We can review your case in a free consultation and explain how to hold a negligent healthcare provider accountable for your injuries. Call us at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free (877) 433-3906 to get a free case evaluation. There are no up-front fees for working with us – we do not get paid unless you do.

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Common Factors that Lead to a Medical Misdiagnosis

  • Failure to record thorough medical history
  • Failure to investigate with thorough physical examination
  • Failure to consider heart attacks in women, young people and people who are seemingly healthy
  • Failure to order timely diagnostic tests
  • Improper reading of tests and EKG results
  • Laboratory error
  • Failure to consult with cardiac specialists

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Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart attacks are medical emergencies, and physicians should have the training and experience to spot the symptoms of one. The majority of heart attacks are attributed to heart disease, which affects more than 18.2 million adults in the United States. Heart disease is common among individuals who have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, are smokers, overweight, suffer from diabetes, and use alcohol.

A doctor can diagnose a heart attack if a patient is experiencing these common symptoms:

  • Chest pain or pressure in the center or left side of the chest
  • Feeling faint
  • Cold sweats
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders

Doctors should know how symptoms present themselves across different demographics to accurately diagnose a patient. Doctors can also perform several invasive and non-invasive tests to determine the best course of treatment and how much damage a patient’s heart has sustained.

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Medical Issues Commonly Confused with Heart Attack

It is imperative that doctors and medical staff do not dismiss any symptoms of cardiac arrest as a less life-threatening ailment. These symptoms, if overlooked, can lead to misdiagnosis, and leave the patient in a critical state. The problem is that there are other diagnoses whose symptoms mimic or share the same indicators as a heart attack. They include:

  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Esophagitis
  • Angina
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Gallstones
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Anxiety

If a practitioner failed to order the correct diagnostic tests, the result of a misdiagnosed heart attack can result in death.

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Undiagnosed Heart Disease Can Slip Through the Cracks

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. A doctor's careful assessment of physical condition, previous conditions, family history and drug interactions will ensure evaluation and treatment of heart disease. Failure to diagnose and treat these diseases may lead to loss of life and a malpractice claim.

  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Arrhythmia
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Infections in the heart
  • Valvular disease

If you or your loved one has suffered injury or death due to a medical practitioner's failure to investigate even the slightest amount of ischemia, a Denver-based medical malpractice attorney may be able to help.

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How Doctors Misdiagnose Heart Attacks

When a patient presents with heart attack symptoms, hospital or clinic staff should follow proper procedures to make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment. Heart attacks are deadly, and symptoms should never be dismissed. Unfortunately, doctors may negligently diagnose a heart attack as heartburn or indigestion and even send patients home without treatment. The doctor should order an electrocardiogram or creatine phosphokinase test to determine if a patient is experiencing a heart attack.

Failing to diagnose a heart attack properly puts a patient at risk of suffering heart failure and dying. Even if a patient later gets treatment, delaying can result in long-term damage. A patient may require surgery, massive lifestyle changes, and medication to avoid future attacks or diseases. Patients should never have to bear these costs alone if a failure to diagnose worsens the condition, leading to serious health problems or loss of life.

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Dedicated Legal Representation for Denver Malpractice Victims

Heart attacks affect hundreds of thousands of adults in the United States every year, and heart disease is one of the deadliest illnesses in the world. Doctors and hospital staff should be trained to identify the symptoms and prepared to order the proper tests. Dismissing obvious symptoms of an attack is a clear breach of the standard of care and can make a doctor liable in a malpractice claim.

If you or someone you love suffered an injury due to a heart attack misdiagnosis, do not hesitate to speak to a Denver medical malpractice attorney at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Our legal team has spent decades fighting for injured patients and advocate for proper compensation on their behalf. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and have two of the highest Colorado medical malpractice verdicts. Trust in our legal team to guide you through the claims process and advocate for your best interests. Call us today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free (877) 433-3906 to talk about how you were injured in a free consultation.

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303-759-9945
877-433-3906