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Albuquerque, NM 87102
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Heart Attack Misdiagnosis

One of the most common forms of medical malpractice is the misdiagnosis. Very simple, you go to a doctor or emergency room looking for medical attention and don't get the diagnostic tests or treatment that you need. Surprisingly, one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions is also one of the most commonly known: the heart attack.

Each year, a staggering 7 million Americans visit the emergency room complaining of chest pain or heart attack symptoms. What you may not know is that not every heart attack is an obvious chest-clutching "Hollywood" moment of trauma - often, a heart attack can simply consist of nausea, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and feelings of discomfort in the arms or upper body.

Even if you are not sure whether or not you have suffered a heart attack, it is the doctor's duty to diagnose you and treat you for your medical issues. There are specific diagnostic tests that can help medical professionals determine whether or not you have suffered a heart attack or if you have heart disease. Not following through with these diagnostic tests and appropriate treatments is negligent and is considered medical malpractice.

The missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of heart attacks in women is especially high - many doctors don't consider possible heart attacks because the condition is more common in men, and women often do not feel dramatic symptoms like men do - many times, they just feel sick to their stomach and do not report chest pain.

All in all, someone has a heart attack every 20 seconds in the United States, and over 14 million Americans have a history of heart attack and heart disease. There is no telling how many heart attacks go undiagnosed and lead to permanent health issues and even death. Undiagnosed heart attack cases make up a large number of medical malpractice cases - with the average settlement over the last decade hovering around $1 million.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a miss heart attack diagnosis, contact a specialized attorney today to discuss your medical malpractice case.