Unfortunately, while we’ve all been living in the 21st century for nearly two decades, many still view men in society as the torchbearers for cardiac arrest. How often do we see a commercial, a television episode, or a movie in which a man clutches his chest and suffers a heart attack? Almost every time. But the reality is, woman have the exact same odds as a man when it comes to dying of heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer in America, impacting 44 million people each year, outranking all types of cancers combined. So if heart disease is such a problem for women, why are women less likely to be diagnosed?
Some believe it could be due to a centuries-old bias. A recent article in the Atlantic explores the idea that society – especially medical professionals – has long viewed the disease as a man’s problem. Despite clear evidence to the contrary and vast amounts of research, stretching back to the 1950s, many people are more inclined to believe that only men suffer heart attacks. The article also suggests that doctors may be missing some major warning signs. Women are more likely to have subtle signs of heart failure – such as nausea, severe anxiety, or slight back pain. This means doctors and emergency room technicians are more likely to confuse it with another ailment.
Whatever the case maybe, if a doctor fails to properly diagnose a serious medical condition, they can be held liable for whatever damages occur afterwards. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a misdiagnosis, we encourage you to contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres and Molinari to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We have helped many New Jersey women seek financial compensation after suffering a heart attack. You can reach us at 973-845-4421.