Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. Many women experience different symptoms than men, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
When healthcare providers fail to recognize the warning signs of heart disease in women, the consequences can be devastating, potentially resulting in avoidable complications, disability or even death. Medical misdiagnosis can be a form of malpractice, and women who suffer harm due to delayed or incorrect treatment may be in a strong position to seek legal recourse as a result.
Why heart disease is often misdiagnosed in women
Historically, heart disease has been studied and diagnosed based on symptoms commonly seen in men. While men typically experience chest pain and pressure during a heart attack, women may present with more subtle symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or dizziness
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
- Unexplained anxiety or sweating
Because these symptoms are less widely recognized as signs of heart disease, they are often mistaken for anxiety, indigestion or stress-related conditions. Many women are sent home from emergency rooms or primary care visits without proper tests or follow-up care. A delay in diagnosis can allow the disease to progress, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke or fatal heart attacks.
The impacts of misdiagnosis
When heart disease is misdiagnosed or left untreated, women can face severe health consequences. Some of the most common risks include:
- Increased risk of heart attack – Without timely intervention, blockages in the arteries can worsen, leading to a more severe cardiac event.
- Permanent heart damage – Lack of treatment can cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle, impacting a woman’s long-term health and quality of life.
- Higher mortality rates – Studies have shown that women are more likely to die from heart attacks than men, in part due to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
- Unnecessary procedures or medications – A misdiagnosis may lead to women receiving treatments for non-cardiac conditions, exposing them to unnecessary side effects while their heart condition remains unaddressed.
When a doctor or healthcare provider fails to recognize heart disease symptoms in a woman, that affected patient may be entitled to significant compensation. Seeking personalized legal guidance can help those impacted by misdiagnoses better understand their rights and options under the law.