Heart Disease More Commonly Misdiagnosed in Women

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February 2nd, 2007

"Heart Disease Misdiagnosed in Women"

Research shows that heart disease is misdiagnosed much more often in women than men.

Jean Horgan checked into a hospital complaining of an irregular heartbeat. “I was told, ‘Go home and take tranquilizers. You''ll be fine, you''re under stress,''” Horgan said.

When her symptoms persisted and she went back to see another doctor – one who specializes in women''s health. This doctor was concerned enough to order an echocardiogram.

The EKG revealed that Horgan had a heart condition, and she was prescribed medication.

Phyllis Cruz also went to an emergency room and told the hospital she was having a heart attack. The nurse didn''t believe her, Cruz said. “I said to her, ‘But I have pain, chest pain. I can''t breathe.'' She said, ‘Well there''s a lot of people here. Sit down.''”

Cruz received an EKG six hours later. The results showed that she had also had a heart attack.

A Disturbing Trend

Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist who specializes in women, and author of “The Women''s Healthy Heart Program,” recognizes that complaint she hears most commonly from her women patients is that doctors don''t take them seriously.

“And you know what? Most of the time they''re right,” Goldberg said.

That''s not just an opinion. “Research shows that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men,” said the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Statistics

Despite the fact that more women die from heart disease each year than men, they receive only about one-third of all major heart-related procedures and treatments. Women receive only 28 percent of defibrillator implants, 33 percent of angioplasties, bypass surgeries, and stents, and only 36 percent of all open-heart surgeries.

This may explain why only 62 percent of women survive their first heart attacks, while 75 percent of men survive theirs.

Victim of a Misdiagnosis? If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, or been seriously injured or killed as a result of a misdiagnosis, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, and more. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with an expert medical malpractice attorney who can help you plan the best course of action.