Heart disease is a one of the leading cause of death in the UK, making cardiology a critical area of medical care. When cardiological treatment falls below the expected standard, the consequences can be devastating.
Understanding Cardiology and Potential Negligence
Cardiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. These conditions range from congenital heart defects to acquired diseases like coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Common Symptoms of Heart Problems:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Fatigue
Diagnosis :
Cardiologists use various diagnostic tools, including:
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
- Echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart)
- Stress tests
- Cardiac catheterization
- MRI and CT scans
Treatment:
Many heart conditions are treatable, but delays in diagnosis or inadequate treatment can significantly worsen outcomes. Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition and may include:
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Bypass surgery
- Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation
Cardiology negligence occurs when a cardiologist or other healthcare professional fails to provide the expected standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can happen at any stage of diagnosis or treatment.
UK Cardiology Statistics
- The British Heart Foundation estimates that there are around 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK (https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf)
- Coronary heart disease is one of the leading cause of death in the UK, responsible for approximately 66,000 deaths each year (https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf)
Common Examples of Cardiology Negligence
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failing to correctly diagnose a heart condition or delaying diagnosis can lead to a worsening of the condition and reduced treatment options.
- Errors during procedures: Mistakes during angioplasty, bypass surgery, or pacemaker implantation can cause serious injury or death.
- Medication errors: Incorrect prescribing or administration of medications can have dangerous consequences.
- Failure to monitor: Inadequate monitoring of patients after procedures or during treatment can lead to complications being missed.
- Negligent discharge: Discharging a patient too early or without proper instructions can result in readmission or further health problems.
Why Legal Advice is Important
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm due to cardiology negligence, it is important to seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor. A solicitor can:
- Assess the merits of your claim.
- Gather medical evidence to support your case.
- Instruct expert witnesses to provide independent opinions.
- Negotiate with the defendant or their insurers.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
How We Can Help
Miya Solicitors have a team of experienced solicitors who specialize in medical negligence claims, including those involving cardiology. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation.
If you have concerns about the cardiology treatment you or a loved one has received, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. We can help you get the compensation you are entitled to including compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.