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Heart disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, and it is the leading cause of death in the nation. Delayed diagnosis is the most common reason for medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States. When you put these two facts together, it becomes clear that delayed diagnosis for heart disease is a major issue. Like almost any other illness, it is very important to detect and treat heart disease early.
What happens if doctors fail to detect it? Almost inevitably, the patient suffers needlessly as a result. In many situations, it is too late to do anything meaningful for the patient by the time heart disease is discovered. It seems almost unthinkable that this is an issue, especially with the astounding advances in medical science over the past few decades. Although we can now use robots to conduct heart surgery, this does not provide much solace for patients who have been overlooked and dismissed when their heart disease could have been discovered much earlier.
If you think you have been given a delayed diagnosis of heart disease, consult with a legal expert as soon as possible. A qualified personal injury attorney in New York can help you file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the healthcare professionals who failed to diagnose your illness in a timely manner. After taking the negligent party to court, you can recover economic and non-economic compensation to cover your damages.
Early Detection is Important
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New York, and older women are especially vulnerable. According to various reports, women are less likely to receive surgical treatments for their heart disease compared to men, including things like arterial grafts. Part of this has to do with the fact that women tend to “present” heart disease symptoms later in life compared to men. By the time their heart disease becomes obvious, they are already suffering from pre-existing conditions, obesity, and other comorbidities often associated with old age. At this point, surgery becomes too risky for these vulnerable individuals.
Current Testing Strategies are “Notoriously Insensitive”
Studies have found that current testing strategies for heart disease are “notoriously insensitive,” making it more difficult to detect its presence among older people, particularly women. These tests include exercise treadmills and similar methods. New diagnostic tests such as CT scans and myocardial perfusion images may address these issues, but right now the current methods leave many individuals with heart disease completely undiagnosed. These studies also show that many women tend to live with heart disease for many years before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you are ready to hold negligent doctors accountable for their reckless and irresponsible behavior, reach out to The Glassman Law Group at your earliest convenience. We have a wealth of experience with medical malpractice lawsuits, and we can employ a range of effective strategies to help you receive a fair, adequate settlement for your damages.