Many people think that a person who’s having a heart attack is going to grab their chest and drop to the ground in immense pain, but that’s not always how it happens. Women often don’t experience the same symptoms as what people see on television and in the movies.
Men are more likely to experience symptoms, such as chest pain and pressure when they have a heart attack. Women are more likely to have extreme fatigue, back pain, shortness of breath, nausea and jaw pain. This can lead to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment for women.
Consequences of diagnostic gaps in cardiovascular care
Healthcare providers, including those in the emergency room, may not be familiar with how heart attacks manifest in women. They may misinterpret the symptoms, which can cause them to miss the opportunity to intervene before considerable damage is done to the heart. This can lead to serious complications or even fatalities.
Even during routine care, women may not receive the same screening for heart disease and conditions as men receive. In some cases, women who are exhibiting some of these signs might be told they have anxiety or chronic fatigue syndrome. Those claims can also leave women without a proper diagnosis.
Women who aren’t properly diagnosed when they present with heart attack symptoms may opt to pursue a compensation claim. This type of medical malpractice claim can be complex, but working with someone familiar with these matters may make the process a bit easier.
