Cardiac Claims

Cardiac negligence claims

Heart disease can be experienced in four main ways:

• Angina: this is when you experience chest pain, usually when you are being active, but it can also occur at rest. The pain is caused by narrowing of the arteries which supply the heart muscle, resulting in reduced blood flow. Just as you can get a cramp in your leg when you exercise, angina is like a cramp of the heart muscle. Angina is not an immediate threat to life but indicates the presence of heart disease which will require treatment.
• Heart attack: this is when the blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly stops. It is typically experienced as a chest pain which radiates down the left arm or up the jaw, neck and throat. Typically, a person suffering a heart attack feels a ‘sense of impending doom’. A heart attack is potentially life-threatening, and prompt treatment must be sought.
• Cardiac arrest: this is when the heart stops beating. Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate specialist intervention. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) carried out properly could help keep oxygen flowing to vital organs until professional assistance is available.
• Heart failure: this is when the heart does not function properly, meaning that blood is not properly pushed around the body. Heart failure is usually a more chronic condition but in certain circumstances can occur out of the blue. Heart failure is not usually an immediate threat to life.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Attacks

Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are vital to limit damage and improve survival outcomes. An ECG should be performed within 10 minutes of initial medical contact to determine the type of heart attack and appropriate treatment. Measuring troponin levels upon hospital arrival also aids diagnosis.

• STEMI Treatment: Immediate transfer for emergency PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) with stenting, ideally within 6 hours but beneficial up to 12 hours after symptoms begin.
• NSTEMI Treatment: Typically involves blood-thinning medications like aspirin, possibly followed by angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Risks of Delayed Treatment

Delays in diagnosis or treatment can have severe, life-altering consequences. Osbornes Law has experience supporting clients affected by delays in heart attack care.

The main problem with these statistics is that in the case of a heart attack, time to treatment is critical: the sooner treatment is given, the better the chances of a successful outcome. The study scientists estimated that if the diagnosis were made correctly and in good time, over 250 deaths per year may be prevented. What is more, if correctly diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion with correct medication and procedures, there is a 70% chance of survival.

• Read our blog post: misdiagnosis of heart problems

Our Promise to You

• We will review your potential claim by advising you on the NHS complaints procedure or other alternative procedure if your case does not relate to NHS care and treatment.
• We will not charge a fee for our time in reviewing your case.
• We can assist you with any issues that you may have regarding the complaints procedure or that you encounter in obtaining copies of your medical records.
• We will advise you of the course of action in respect to your case

When you require medical attention, you expect that your problem will be properly diagnosed and treated according to National Guidelines. You certainly do not expect to have heart disease or a heart attack missed and not treated, or to be treated for a heart condition that you do not have. In cases such as these, you may be able to make a claim for medical negligence. If you think that you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, get in touch with our specialist team. We are here to help.

To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811