Cardiology relates to the heart and cardiovascular system. There are over 7.6 million people in the UK living with a heart condition or circulatory disease. If you receive care in a hospital setting for heart related problems it is likely you will be seen by a cardiologist. Currently the NHS cardiac waiting lists are the longest they have ever been. This means that more and more people are waiting for time critical heart tests and treatments.
Also, there are occasions when a person does not get the care they deserve when facing a medical emergency involving the cardiac system, including previously undiagnosed heart problems.
What should happen?
Some common symptoms of cardiac issues are:
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shoulder tip pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen ankles or legs
If you think you may be experiencing any form of cardiac issue it is important that you consult a medical professional. Health concerns with the heart can be time critical.
When undergoing cardiac investigations at your local hospital, you can expect some of the following tests to be carried out:
- ECG
- Blood tests
- Cardiac MRI
- Chest X-ray
- Pulse check
- Coronary angiogram.
Having a heart condition diagnosed means you can face the future with appropriate care and support. Upon diagnosis, there are numerous treatments for heart and circulatory conditions and as a result more and more people are able to live with cardiac issues.
Common forms of treatment for cardiac issues are:
- Coronary angioplasty and stents
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair surgery
- TAVI procedures
- Heart valve replacement surgery
- Heart transplant
Cardiology and Medical Negligence
Some patients do not receive appropriate care and have heart conditions that go undiagnosed. We work with them, or their families, to get answers as to what was wrong with them (or their lost loved one) and help them to rebuild their lives financially. We can also help with cardiology cases involving children, or where the injury is caused as a result of medical negligence during pregnancy or birth.
Some of the claims we have pursued relate to the following issues:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of heart conditions
- Death as a result of a missed heart condition
- Inadequate or inappropriate treatment
- Failed procedures such as TAVI value surgery
- Surgical errors
- Mismanagement of a heart condition
- Negligent care during pregnancy or birth resulting in the development of a cardiac condition in a newborn
- Failure to diagnose or treat a cardiac condition suffered by a mother during pregnancy
Have you experienced negligence in relation to cardiology care?
Our specialist medical (clinical) negligence team can provide expert advice and guidance if you or a loved one has experienced a cardiac related injury as a result of negligent treatment by a doctor or surgeon.
We can help you raise a complaint about your care and, where possible, investigate a medical negligence claim on your behalf.
Get the answers you deserve and telephone our experienced medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or submit a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected].
For further information directly from the British Heart Foundation, please follow this link; https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport
