Denver residents may be interested in an article that discusses the issues that women face regarding the diagnosis of heart problems. Gender differences may play a part, but some are working to equalize diagnosis and treatment.
A 2011 report from The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease looked at the various issues that women face regarding heart condition diagnoses. The report found that more women die from cardiovascular disease every year than men, but women are generally seeing more delays in diagnosis and treatment than their male counterparts. One cardiologist points out that there are differences in heart disease between men and women; for instance, many women display symptoms of heart failure yet have healthy heart function.
The report suggests that medical trials include more women in order to get a better picture of how to prevent these issues in females. This could result in better diagnostic techniques, faster detection and better preventative treatment overall. In response, Wake Forest Baptist plans to open a new facility, the Women’s Cardiovascular Center, to research more effective diagnosis and treatment for women. A focus on preventing the disease, rather than being reactive to it, has garnered a positive response from patients at Wake Forest Baptist.
While this research is encouraging, the issue of misdiagnosis is still very real with regard to women and heart disease. Too often, women’s cardiovascular symptoms are not properly treated, or there is a late diagnosis that causes further complications. An attorney may be helpful in analyzing a case where there has been a misdiagnosis of disease, whether heart-related or not. They may then be able to bring a civil suit against the doctor or medical facility responsible in order to recover compensation for any damages, such as medical expenses associated with a worsened condition.
Source: High Point Enterprise, “Women’s heart problems often misdiagnosed”, February 14, 2014