Connecticut Medical Malpractice: Young Women & Heart Attack Symptoms

February marked heart disease awareness month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 610,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. That is one in four deaths that result from heart disease.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a type of heart disease that is affecting the seemingly healthiest of individuals. SCAD is the spontaneous tearing of an artery that causes a slowing of blood to the heart causing a heart attack, irregular heart rhythms, and even death. This type of heart disease is striking young women at rapid rates. In fact, the women being affected are healthy, thin and pose no risk factors for heart attack.

According to the Mayo Clinic, heart attack symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain and pressure
• Pain in the arm, abdomen, jaw
• Sweating
• Vomiting

However, in women, heart attacks can present with all of the above symptoms without chest pain or pressure. It may just seem like the flu, heartburn, etc. The American Heart Association warns that heart attacks in women can have drastic outcomes, especially if the right help is not administered right away. The attorneys at McEnery Price Messey & Sullivan urge you to seek medical help at the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms immediately.

If you or a loved one question the level of care that was administered to you at the emergency department that left you permanently injured, including death, call our office immediately. We will begin a medical and legal investigation into your claim.