Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack

The Impact of Misdiagnosis on Patient Health

Malvin

Oct 29, 2024

07:35

A 50-year-old man with a family history of coronary artery disease arrived at the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain and nausea. A physical exam showed regular heart rate and rhythm, and his EKG was interpreted as sinus rhythm with nonspecific ST-T wave changes. Despite negative cardiac enzyme studiesand normal bloodwork, he was discharged with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and given an H2 receptor antagonist.

/ / / / / / / /

Later, during a follow-up with his primary care nurse practitioner, he was referred for an endoscopy, which revealed gastric erosions, and omeprazole was prescribed. The patient continued experiencing intermittent pain. Three weeks later, while playing football with his son, he experienced severe chest pain and was rushed to the ER, where he was diagnosed with a left anterior descending myocardial infarction (heart attack). Despite treatment, he suffered permanent damage to his heart and never fully recovered. The patient missed several weeks of work and experienced long-term cardiovascular impairment. Damages for cases like this can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

Failure to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attacks

In closed claims data, failure to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) remains a leading cause of nurse practitioner malpractice. The implications are serious, with claims paid by insurers often reaching substantial amounts. Common reasons for diagnostic failures in heart attack cases include:

- Failure to Order or Delays in Ordering Appropriate Tests 
Timely testing, including serial cardiac enzymes and EKGs, is essential in patients with CAD symptoms, even if initial tests are inconclusive. 

- Failure to Suspect Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) 
Many heart attacks present with atypical symptoms, making it essential to consider all potential signs, including epigastric pain, nausea, or non-specific EKG findings.

- Failure to Admit or Delays in Hospital Admission
Proper observation and timely admission can be critical for high-risk patients, especially when symptoms may indicate potential heart issues.

- Failure to Refer or Delays in Timely Referral or Consultation 
When symptoms persist without an obvious cause, referring to a cardiologist or for advanced imaging studies can prevent serious outcomes.

- Misinterpretation of Diagnostic Results, Including ECGs
Errors in EKG interpretation or failure to involve a cardiologist for second opinions can lead to misdiagnosis and subsequent cardiac events.

Damages and Consequences of Heart Attack Misdiagnosis

Patients who suffer from undiagnosed heart attacks can experience disability, increased medical costs, loss of wages, and in tragic cases, loss of life. The delayed or missed diagnosis of heart disease can lead to permanent heart damage, with long-term implications for the patient's health and quality of life.

Contact Malpraq for Support in Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Claims

At Malpraq, we recognize the devastating impact that failure to diagnose heart attacks and coronary artery disease can have on patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed or missed heart attack diagnosis, our team is here to help. We will work with you to understand your case and connect you with the appropriate representation to pursue justice and compensation.

For a confidential consultation, contact Malpraq today. We are committed to supporting you through every step of this process with professionalism and care.

Latest

From the Blog