Women are routinely misdiagnosed by doctors

March 27, 2020 | Crandall & Pera Law
Women are routinely misdiagnosed by doctors

It isn't uncommon for a woman in Ohio or elsewhere who is having a heart attack to be diagnosed with anxiety or another health condition. This is because women don't necessarily experience the traditional symptoms of a heart attack such as pain in the jaw or left arm. A female who is having a stroke may also be more likely to be misdiagnosed because they may not have the same symptoms a male stroke victim might have.

The signs that a female patient is having a heart attack

Females are more likely to experience shortness of breath, stomach pain or nausea during a heart attack. They may also present with symptoms such as chest palpitations and dizziness. Finally, women may have unexplained back pain or begin to vomit unexpectedly while experiencing this type of medical emergency.

The signs that a female patient is having a stroke

Strokes occur when there is a blockage or some other disruption to blood flow to the brain. A woman who is having a stroke could have a headache or complain of dizziness when first approached by a doctor or another medical professional. Additionally, you may have experienced changes in mood, hallucinations or hiccups that won't go away.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among women

If you are like most women, you may be worried about acquiring breast cancer, cervical cancer or a variety of other health conditions. However, heart disease was more dangerous than cancer while stroke was the fourth-leading cause of death among women according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you have been improperly diagnosed, you may be the victim of medical malpractice. It might be a good idea to consult with an attorney to determine what types of recourse you may have. An attorney may help you pursue compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial. Compensation may help to pay for medical bills and other damages caused by a medical professional's negligence.