Misdiagnosis of Heart Attacks in Women

Compensation for a Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosed Heart Attack

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among women, yet misdiagnosis of heart attacks in women continue to be reported. It is important for women to recognise why they may be misdiagnosed or have experienced a delay in diagnosis which may have severe health consequences.

Jefferies Claims may be able to assist if you have been misdiagnosed or received a delayed diagnosis after a heart attack and seeking a medical negligence claim. We work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Why Are Heart Attacks Misdiagnosed in Women?

Atypical Symptoms in Women

Heart attacks are typically associated with severe chest pain radiating down the left arm. However misdiagnosis of heart attacks in women has shown that many women experience different symptoms, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Back, jaw, or neck pain
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Cold sweats

These symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions like anxiety, indigestion, or even menopause-related discomfort. This can cause a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gender Bias in Medical Research and Training

For decades, cardiovascular research has primarily focused on male patients. This has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding how heart disease presents in women.

Underuse of Diagnostic Tests for Women

Women presenting with heart attack symptoms may be less likely to receive important diagnostic tests such as:

• Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Blood tests for cardiac biomarkers like troponin
• Angiograms to detect blocked arteries

Without these tests, doctors may misattribute symptoms to non-cardiac issues and this leads to delaying life-saving treatment.

The Impact of Misdiagnosis

Long Term Health Complications which can result in irreversible damage to the heart muscle due to a delay in treatment.

Emotional and psychological effects if you have felt unheard, resulting in stress, anxiety or depression

Mortality rates studies have shown that women may be more likely to die of a heart attack due to misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis.

Compensation for Misdiagnosis of Heart Attacks in Women

When Can You Make a Claim?

If a heart attack has been misdiagnosed due to medical negligence—such as failure to perform appropriate tests, dismissing symptoms, or misinterpreting test results—you may be eligible to make a claim. To succeed in a claim, you must prove that this negligence directly caused harm or worsened your condition.

Many claims for misdiagnosed heart attacks in women succeed if there is clear evidence of negligence. Success rates are higher when:

• Medical records indicate failure to conduct standard tests
• There are expert witness testimonies supporting negligence
• The misdiagnosis led to serious harm or death

What Does Compensation Cover?

Compensation aims to support victims by covering various losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for additional treatment, rehabilitation, and medication
• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for time off work or loss of employment due to ongoing health issues
• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledgment of the emotional and physical distress caused by the misdiagnosis
• Care and Support Costs: Expenses for home adaptations, nursing care, or psychological therapy

What To Do Next

At Jefferies Claims, we will support you and your family through the process of making a medical negligence claim with care and understanding. We only work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This ensures no financial stress for you when it comes to making your claim.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.