Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by tanya

Misdiagnosed Heart Attacks in Women

 

Understanding Medical Negligence Claims

 

Heart attacks are among the leading causes of death worldwide, but misdiagnosed heart attacks in women remains a significant issue.  Studies show that women are more likely than men to have their heart attacks misdiagnosed. However, they may often be mistaken for anxiety, indigestion, or even menopause-related symptoms. This misdiagnosis can lead to severe health consequences.

If you have had a heart attack misdiagnosis, First Personal Injury may be able to help.

 

Why Heart Attacks in Women Are Often Misdiagnosed

 

There are various reasons why misdiagnosed heart attacks in women occurs more frequently compared to men.

Atypical Symptoms: Unlike men, who often present with the classic symptom of crushing chest pain, women may experience less obvious symptoms such as:

 

• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness or Feeling Lightheaded.

Medical Misconceptions: Heart attacks have historically been associated more with men. This may have resulted in many women being sent home or diagnosed with less severe conditions like stress or anxiety.

Delayed or Inadequate Testing: Some women do not undergo the necessary tests, such as ECGs or blood tests for troponin levels, which can confirm a heart attack. When these tests are overlooked, critical treatment is delayed.

Medical Research: Much of the research into heart disease has been focused on men, meaning that healthcare guidelines and diagnostic protocols have been designed around male symptoms, leading to a gap in women’s healthcare.

 

The Consequences of a Misdiagnosed Heart Attack

 

When a heart attack is misdiagnosed, the repercussions can be life-threatening. Delayed or incorrect treatment can lead to:

 

• Heart Failure: Without immediate intervention, heart tissue can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic heart failure.
• Increased Risk of Another Heart Attack: Those who experience a misdiagnosed heart attack are at a higher risk of suffering another one in the future.
• Permanent Disability: Lack of oxygen supply to the heart can cause irreversible damage, affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Psychological Distress: Many women experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression after being misdiagnosed and feeling dismissed by medical professionals.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, some cases of misdiagnosed heart attacks result in fatalities that could have been prevented with timely treatment.

 

How To Make A Medical Negligence Claim

 

If you believe that a healthcare professional failed to diagnose or properly treat a heart attack, resulting in harm, you may be eligible to file a medical negligence claim. To succeed, you will need to prove that the misdiagnosis directly caused harm.

You will need to show the physical, emotional, or financial harm suffered due to the misdiagnosis. This may include prolonged recovery time, additional medical expenses, loss of income, or psychological suffering. 

If you suspect medical negligence, you need to gather the following evidence:

 

• Medical records detailing the misdiagnosis
• Test results, prescriptions, and hospital reports
• Statements from witnesses or family members
• Personal accounts of how the misdiagnosis impacted your health

Take The Next Step

If you have suffered from a misdiagnosed heart attack and are looking to claim for medical negligence, contact our friendly team at First Personal Injury. We work with lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis and can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.