What You Need to Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. More than 600,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. Even though healthcare providers are aware of these statistics, many patients who show symptoms of a heart attack are still misdiagnosed in doctor offices and emergency rooms. Patients are dismissed with a clean bill of health, only to experience a significant or fatal heart attack after returning home.

• Common Signs

  The most common signs of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or that comes and goes
  • Pain in the back, jaw, shoulder, or one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath
• Less Common Signs

  Misdiagnosis occurs because a person may not exhibit the signs commonly associated with a heart attack. Less obvious symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping, or pain that wakes you up at night
  • Back pain
  • Pain that doesn’t radiate
  • Heaviness of arms
  • Light-headedness
  • Epigastric burning in the upper abdomen below the ribs
  • Feeling flushed
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea and vomiting

  Studies show that women have a higher risk of being misdiagnosed for a heart attack because they tend to experience these less-obvious symptoms.

• Negligence

  If a doctor fails to diagnose a heart attack properly or doesn’t run the proper tests, then a significant or fatal heart attack may occur. This negligence means that you or your family may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.