Kiera Shoemake looks at medical negligence claims for delay in diagnosing heart failure.
Heart failure can be a life-threatening condition. When it occurs patients may need to be prescribed medication or have a device fitted. In some situations surgery may even be required. It is a condition that worsens over time, so it is therefore critical for a diagnosis to be made as early as possible to prevent long-term suffering and adverse consequences for the patient.
Heart failure occurs when the heart struggles to supply the body with enough blood to meet the body’s needs. When this happens, blood can back-up and the lungs can be filled up with fluid. Symptoms of heart failure can include:
- Shortness of breath, even when laying down;
- General fatigue and weakness;
- Wheezing;
- A persistent cough that does not go away or that brings up white or pink mucus;
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet;
- Nausea and a lack of appetite;
- Chest pain if the heart failure is caused by a heart attack.
Symptoms may develop slowly, and it is critical for medical professionals to spot the warning signs before it is too late. Early treatment of heart failure may save someone’s life, but a delay in diagnosing heart failure may have irreversible consequences. The sooner heart failure is treated, the less likely it is that a patient will develop complications such as anemia, frailty and renal impairment. Once diagnosed a patient can access treatment to improve their symptoms and manage their quality of life.
The British Journal of General Practice recommends that if a GP suspects heart failure, the patient should see a specialist team for further assessment right away. However, eight out of ten cases of heart failure are only diagnosed after a patient has been admitted to hospital in an emergency.
How we can help you
If your condition has been exacerbated or worsened by a failure of medical professionals to diagnose heart failure then you may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim for compensation. You can read here about a medical negligence claim our team successfully dealt with, involving a man who sadly passed away after suffering an avoidable pulmonary embolism.
So, if you, or someone you know, has been affected by a delay in diagnosing heart failure, then contact our team for a free case review and details of No Win, No Fee funding.
Call our free helpline on 0333 888 0412. Alternatively, you can email details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected].