Study Finds Doctors Often Miss Early Signs of Heart Disease

If you diligently visit your doctor every year and have an annual physical done, you may not be all that concerned about the possibility of heart disease affecting you, provided your doctor hasn’t mentioned it in the past. After all, if you doctor hasn’t raised concerns about heart disease, then why worry? But according to a new study conducted by CRICO Strategies and medical malpractice insurance company Doctors Company, and published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, the early signs of heart disease often go unnoticed by physicians.

The study analyzed more than 250 medical malpractice cases that have been closed and took a closer look at whether or not the patients in those cases could have been diagnosed with signs of heart disease much earlier in their lives than they were. Unfortunately, the researchers found that about a quarter of the patients who were diagnosed with serious diseases like myocardial infarction and coronary atherosclerosis later in life exhibited signs of heart disease prior to being diagnosed with them. Furthermore, these patients were often misdiagnosed with other less serious conditions.

Despite these concerns, people should still make regular appointments with their doctors and speak with them about the early signs of heart disease and other health concerns. But they should also be aware that it can be difficult for doctors to interpret the early symptoms of heart disease and make an accurate diagnosis. With this in mind, it’s important to speak openly and honestly with your doctor about the possibility of heart disease, even if your risk factors are relatively low.

It’s also important for you to hold your physician accountable if they fail to uphold the expected standard of care.  If you or a loved one has suffered a severe cardiopulmonary health issue as a result of a doctor’s negligence, the experienced malpractice attorneys at Ask 4 Sam can help. Give us a call today at our toll-free number or contact us online to learn more.