Baltimore Cardiology Malpractice Attorneys

Experienced Cardiology Malpractice Attorneys in Baltimore, MD

Heart disease has long been the leading cause of death in America for both men and women, taking the lives of approximately 695,000 people every year (1 out of every 5 deaths). Unfortunately, errors in treatment by cardiology specialists, either in failing to detect or failing to properly treat a serious heart condition, can lead to injury and/or death. Medication errors and poor physician response to signs and symptoms are two leading reasons for half of cardiac arrests being potentially preventable.

Misdiagnosis and Cardiology Errors

Although sophisticated technology can detect many heart problems, misdiagnosis of conditions is a very common cardiology error. Physicians may fail, for instance, to identify or control hypertension, coronary artery disease, aneurysms, or acute myocardial infarctions (a heart attack). Because these conditions can resemble other common ailments, without proper medical attention, misdiagnosis remains a common cardiology error.

Failure to Diagnose and Treat Cardiology Errors

Another cardiology error is the failure to diagnose a cardiac condition at all. Although physicians are aware that high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and diabetes are significant risk factors for heart problems, they may fail to provide warnings or adequate interventions. Failing to diagnose a potentially life-threatening condition is an avoidable but costly type of cardiology error.

Failure to diagnose a heart attack is a potentially fatal cardiology error. Many hospitals aim to treat a heart attack victim within 90 minutes. Interventions such as aspirin, clot-busting drugs, and artery-opening angioplasty are responsible for over half of the reduction in heart attack deaths since 1985. Unfortunately, cardiology errors persist in the practice of medicine when hospitals or physicians fail to diagnose and act promptly. Failure to identify any of the following signs of a heart attack can be fatal and is a severe cardiology error:

• Any type of chest discomfort, pressure, sensation of fullness, or chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms
• Lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating
• Nervousness, anxiety, or cold, sweaty skin
• Paleness
• Increased or irregular heart rate

Pharmaceuticals, Drugs, and Cardiology Errors

It is important for a patient to communicate with their physician and pharmacist and make sure the proper medication is given in the proper dosage. It is, however, the physician's responsibility to avoid this type of cardiology error. Incorrect medications may fail to address a patient's condition, or they could result in harmful reactions with other drugs or life-threatening allergic reactions. Incorrect dosages may affect the effectiveness of medications, or they could lead to overdoses or harmful side effects.

COVID-19

A COVID-19 infection can affect a person's cardiovascular system and increase the chances of heart problems. In some cases, inflammation from COVID-19 can lead to damage to the heart. People with cardiovascular disease or risk factors like high blood pressure or obesity are more likely to experience heart problems following a COVID-19 infection. When doctors or medical professionals fail to diagnose heart conditions related to COVID-19 or fail to respond to these issues correctly, a person can suffer harm.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Cardiology Error Lawyers

When cardiology malpractice has caused a patient to suffer harm, the lawyers at Silverman Thompson can provide the legal representation needed to identify negligence by medical professionals and help a person recover compensation for their damages. Attorneys Andrew G. Slutkin and Ethan S. Nochumowitz are prepared to tirelessly advocate for victims of misdiagnosis and other forms of medical negligence. Please contact our Baltimore cardiology error attorneys at 410-385-2225 to arrange a free consultation.