How to Claim if Pericarditis Is Misdiagnosed as Heartburn

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Compensation for Misdiagnosed Pericarditis in England and Wales

If you experienced harm because a medical professional mistook pericarditis for heartburn, you may want to find out how to claim if pericarditis is misdiagnosed as heartburn. It is a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart. If such inflammation is diagnosed effectively, most patients recover well.

However if it’s misdiagnosed, for example as heartburn, delayed treatment may lead to complications, prolonged pain, potential hospitalisation and even long-term cardiac issues.

So if this sounds familiar, you may be eligible to claim compensation for clinical negligence and we explain below when the harm you suffered may be considered negligence. We also highlight what kind of evidence you’ll need and what to do next.

What Is Pericarditis and Why Can Misdiagnosis Happen?

Pericarditis often causes sharp chest pain that worsens when lying down (especially if you lie on your left side) or breathe deeply. However, early symptoms can resemble common digestive issues, especially heartburn.  This overlap means GPs, A&E clinicians, and even paramedics may initially suspect a gastrointestinal cause.

According to NHS, typical symptoms of pericarditis include:

• Sudden, sharp chest pain
• Pain that improves when sitting forward
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Pain radiating to the shoulder or neck

Heartburn, by contrast, usually causes burning discomfort in the middle of your chest, coughing or hiccups, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick. But if a medical professional  fails to investigate chest pain properly, they risk missing underlying cardiac inflammation.

According to the American Heart Association: ‘many people with pericarditis are first misdiagnosed with acid reflux or heartburn’. A lot of patients are also successfully treated for this condition. But misdiagnosis becomes dangerous when the patient is sent home without appropriate tests, monitoring, or referral to cardiology. If the condition worsens, complications may develop and urgent treatment may be essential.

When Is Misdiagnosing Pericarditis as Heartburn Considered Clinical Negligence?

It’s important to realise that not every misdiagnosis amounts to negligence. Medicine is complex and symptoms may often overlap. However, in England and Wales, a misdiagnosis may be considered clinical negligence when the care you received fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent medical professional.

Therefore, a misdiagnosis of pericarditis may be negligent if:

1. Your Symptoms Were Not Properly Assessed

If you reported chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, or pain that worsened when lying down, clinicians should consider cardiac causes. Failing to take a full history or ignoring red‑flag symptoms may breach the duty of care.

2. Appropriate Tests Were Not Carried Out

Chest pain should trigger investigations such as:

• ECG
• Blood tests for inflammatory markers
• Troponin tests
• Chest X‑ray
• Echocardiogram

If these were not offered when clinically appropriate, the misdiagnosis may be negligent.

3. You Were Incorrectly Reassured Without Safety‑Net Advice

Sending a patient home with a diagnosis of heartburn without advising them to return if symptoms worsen can be a breach of duty — especially when symptoms are atypical for acid reflux.

4. There Was an Unreasonable Delay in Referral

If your GP or A&E clinician failed to refer you for urgent cardiac assessment despite clear warning signs, this may fall under negligence.

5. The Misdiagnosis Caused You Harm

To claim compensation, you must show that the incorrect diagnosis led to avoidable injury. This could involve:

• Worsening inflammation
• Prolonged pain
• Hospitalisation
• Development of pericardial effusion
• Cardiac tamponade
• Long‑term heart complications

What Evidence Do You Need to Support a Misdiagnosed Pericarditis Claim?

Proper evidence is vital in any clinical negligence claim. Your solicitor can help to gather and interpret the documentation, but it also helps if you know what’s likely to be needed:

1. Medical Records

These show what symptoms you reported, what examinations were carried out, and what diagnosis was made. They should also show whether clinicians considered cardiac causes or dismissed them prematurely.

2. Test Results

ECGs, blood tests, X‑rays, and echocardiograms help demonstrate how your condition progressed and whether earlier testing would have identified pericarditis sooner.

3. Timeline of Events

A clear timeline helps establish causation. This includes:

• When symptoms began
• When you sought medical help
• What advice you received
• When the correct diagnosis was finally made
• How your condition changed over time

4. Evidence of Harm

This may include:

• Hospital admission records
• Notes on complications
• Treatment plans
• Medication history
• Reports from cardiologists

5. Witness Statements

This can include your own account as well as statements from family members who saw your symptoms and what was happening as these can all help demonstrate how the misdiagnosis affected your daily life.

6. Independent Medical Expert Opinion

Your solicitor will hep to arrange an independent medical consultation. This involves a specialist cardiologist reviewing your case and providing an expert report. This will clearly explain whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards and how this caused your injury.

How to Make a Claim for Misdiagnosed Pericarditis in England and Wales

If you believe your pericarditis was misdiagnosed as heartburn, the claims process is more straightforward than most people realise:

1. Initial Consultation

We work with experienced clinical negligence solicitors who will assess whether your case meets the legal criteria for negligence during an free, initial consultation.

2. Gathering Evidence

Your solicitor will gather the relevant medical records, test results,the valuation by the cardiology expert and witness statements.

3. Letter of Claim

Your solicitor sends a formal claim to the responsible NHS Trust or private healthcare provider.

4. Negotiation

Most claims settle without going to court. Your solicitor negotiates compensation based on your pain, suffering, financial losses, and future care needs.

5. Settlement or Court Proceedings

However, if liability is disputed, your solicitor may advise taking the claim to court.

FAQs: Why You Should Consult a Medical Negligence Solicitor for Misdiagnosed Pericarditis

Why can’t I handle the claim myself?

Clinical negligence claims are legally and medically complex. So, an experienced clinical negligence solicitor ensures your case contains strong evidence and expert opinion which increases your chance of success.

Will a solicitor help prove the misdiagnosis?

Yes, they work with independent cardiology experts who assess whether your care fell below acceptable standards.

Can a solicitor calculate how much compensation I might receive?

They can estimate your damages based on medical evidence, financial losses, and long‑term impact. This ensures you claim the full amount you’re entitled to.

Does consulting a solicitor improve my chances of settlement?

Will I need to go to court?

Most misdiagnosed pericarditis claims settle through negotiation and do not go to court.  Your solicitor will guide you through every step.

What You Should Do Next

We partner with highly experienced clinical negligence solicitors who offer a free consultation and No Win No Fee agreements. Our team can guide you through the process of how to claim compensation, giving you the support and understanding you need at this time

📞 Call us at 0333 358 3034 for a free, no-obligation chat
🔗 Or visit Contact Us Page for more information

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.