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MORRIS-SOCKLE
ATTORNEYS FOR MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITY
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for American
men and women. Each year over one million Americans suffer a heart
attack. Still, doctors continue to miss this life threatening diagnosis.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical and can mean the difference
between a good recovery, disability, or death.
Heart attack symptoms may include chest pain, left arm or shoulder
pain, shortness of breath, sweats, palpitations, nausea, and dizziness.
It is important for everyone to know these symptoms, and to report
their symptoms clearly and concisely to their doctor. Prompt and
correct diagnosis can save lives.
Several tests may be used to determine if the patient is suffering
acute heart disease. These include: EKG (electrocardiogram), blood
enzyme tests, treadmill/stress test, angiogram/cardiac catheterization
(injection of dye into the coronary vessels), and echocardiography
(ultrasonic study of the heart). Treatment for a heart attack is
an effort to reduce the stress on the heart and to restore blood
supply to the effected area. This may be accomplished by drug therapy,
surgery, or a combination of both.
If you, or a loved one, saw a doctor shortly before having a heart
attack you should have the medical records reviewed and evaluated
by a medical malpractice attorney to determine if there was a failure
to properly diagnosis heart disease.
If you need help, call us.
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