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Heart defects, whether congenital or acquired, require timely and accurate diagnosis to ensure effective treatment and prevent severe complications. When a healthcare provider misdiagnoses a heart defect, the consequences can be life-threatening, leading to delayed treatment, unnecessary procedures, worsening conditions, or even death. A Westchester County medical malpractice lawyer or a White Plains medical malpractice attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation if you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence.
Delayed or Incorrect Treatment
One of the most significant consequences of misdiagnosing a heart defect is a delay in appropriate treatment. If a physician mistakes a heart defect for a less serious condition, such as anxiety or indigestion, the patient may not receive the necessary interventions. This delay allows the defect to progress, potentially causing irreversible damage to the heart and other organs. In some cases, patients may receive treatment for the wrong condition. For example, a misdiagnosed heart defect might lead to the prescription of medications that are ineffective or even harmful. A patient treated for asthma when they actually have a congenital heart defect may not receive the surgical or catheter-based interventions needed to correct the underlying issue.
Worsening of Symptoms and Disease Progression
Heart defects often require immediate management to prevent complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. When a defect is misdiagnosed, the underlying condition continues to progress, putting additional strain on the heart. For congenital heart defects, an undiagnosed structural abnormality may lead to increased pressure on the heart chambers, poor oxygen circulation, and eventual organ failure. In cases of acquired defects, such as valve disorders, delayed treatment can result in severe complications like blood clots, heart infections, or pulmonary hypertension.
Increased Risk of Medical Emergencies
Many undiagnosed heart defects lead to sudden cardiac events, including heart attacks, strokes, or life-threatening arrhythmias. Young athletes with undetected congenital heart defects, for example, are at risk for sudden cardiac death during physical exertion. If a doctor dismisses warning signs such as shortness of breath or chest pain as minor concerns, a preventable tragedy may occur.
Emotional and Financial Consequences
Individuals who suffer from undiagnosed heart defects often experience anxiety, frustration, and depression as their symptoms persist without explanation. Additionally, a misdiagnosed patient may spend thousands of dollars on medications, procedures, and hospital visits that do not address the actual heart defect. Once the correct diagnosis is finally made, further medical expenses accumulate, often requiring costly surgeries or lifelong treatment.
Patient Rights after Misdiagnosis
Patients who suffer harm due to the misdiagnosis of a heart defect may have legal options under medical malpractice laws. To establish a malpractice claim, the patient must prove that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care required of them, directly causing harm. This often involves expert testimony, medical records, and a detailed review of the diagnostic process. Compensation may be available for current and future medical expenses, current and future lost wages, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, the victim’s family can pursue a wrongful death claim to pay for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more. Consulting a New York medical malpractice attorney can help affected individuals understand their legal rights and pursue justice.