• Misdiagnosed Heart Attack
• Negligent Resuscitation
• Misdiagnosed Pulmonary Embolism
• Misdiagnosed Bacterial Pneumonia
• TSS Toxic Shock Syndrome

Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice Attorney

The words "heart attack" strike fear in most people, yes many people who suffer a heart attack survive with proper medical treatment. Yet, heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction) is a condition that is often misdiagnosed due, in part, to a variety of symptoms. Heart attack misdiagnosis is often diagnosed as simple heartburn, a panic attack, or some other non life-threatening ailment. The earlier a person suffering from a myocardial infarction receives proper treatment, the better the chances he has of surviving. Thus, it is important to recognize the symptoms of a myocardial infarction.

Myocardial Infarction Symptoms

Below is a list of symptoms as described by the American Heart Association. It is important to note however, it is not necessary for an individual suffering from a myocardial infarction to experience all these symptoms at one time. It could be a combination of a few of these symptoms:

• Heart angina, characterized by an uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain radiating down the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain threshold may range from mild to intense, and could feel like pressure, tightness, or a heavy weight. It could involve the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders.
• Lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
• Cold sweat.
• Pale skin color. Your skin tone may be characterized as ashen.
• Increased or irregular heart rate.
• Feeling of overwhelming fear or impending doom.

Diagnosing A Myocardial Infarction

If you suffer any of the above symptoms and are in the emergency room seeking treatment, there are several things a doctor must do to diagnose a heart attack.

• Your complete medical history must be reviewed to ascertain what risk factors you may have for this condition: family history, obesity, smoking, drug use, sedentary lifestyle, previous history, etc.
• A physical examination must be conducted.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) will be used to check for any abnormalities or heart damage that may be present.
• A blood test will be conducted to check the enzyme levels in your blood.
• If the attending physician or triage nurse fails to recognize the severity of your condition and call for the proper tests expediently, it may lead to delayed or worse yet, incorrect treatment of your condition. Any delay could result in worsening damage or an escalation.

Our results demonstrate our committment to helping our clients recover financial compensation to help families heal from an injury or wrongful death at the hands of a negligent act. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury as the result of negligence, malpractice or carelessness, contact our Missouri personal injury lawyers online or call 314.621.0622 (toll free 877.621.0622) to schedule a FREE consultation and learn how the law can help you recover financial damages for your injuries.

The Missouri Injury Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our lawyers represent people injured in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.