Every minute matters when someone is experiencing a heart attack. A fast, accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability—or death. Yet too many patients, especially women, are sent home from emergency rooms or urgent care centers with a misdiagnosis such as anxiety, acid reflux, or “muscle pain.”
When a doctor or hospital misses the signs of a heart attack, the consequences are often catastrophic. And when that delay occurs because providers fail to recognize symptoms, misread tests, or don’t take a patient’s concerns seriously, the law may consider it medical malpractice.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we have represented South Florida families in medical malpractice cases for over 40 years. Heart attack cases—particularly those involving delayed or missed diagnosis—are among the most preventable tragedies we see.
Why Heart Attacks Are So Often Missed—Especially in Women
Most people have been taught to recognize the “classic” heart attack symptom: crushing chest pain. And while this is common in men, women often experience different, more subtle symptoms, such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or shoulders
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Indigestion or pressure that feels like heartburn
Multiple studies show that young and middle-aged women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed in emergency departments. Providers may attribute symptoms to stress, anxiety, or digestive issues—especially when EKGs appear “normal” or when patients don’t fit the stereotype of a cardiac patient.
This is why medical professionals have a legal duty to:
- Take a detailed history
- Consider atypical presentations
- Order the correct cardiac tests
- Repeat or escalate testing when symptoms persist
- Monitor patients instead of sending them home prematurely
When they fail to do so, and the patient suffers harm, the law may consider it negligence.
Common Medical Errors That Delay Heart Attack Diagnosis
- Not Recognizing “Atypical” Symptoms
Women and younger patients don’t always present with chest pain. Providers must know this and respond appropriately.
- Misreading or Over-relying on EKGs
A normal or borderline EKG does not rule out a heart attack. When symptoms point to cardiac trouble, failing to perform repeat EKGs or additional testing is dangerous.
- Failure to Order Troponin or Other Cardiac Enzymes
Troponin levels are one of the most reliable indicators of heart muscle damage. Skipping this lab test is a serious screening error.
- Dismissing Patient Complaints
Patients who express fear that something is “seriously wrong” should never be brushed off—especially women, who are statistically more likely to have their symptoms minimized.
- Delayed Transfer to a PCI-capable Hospital
For many heart attacks, timely transfer to a hospital that can perform angioplasty (PCI) is critical. Delays can permanently damage the heart.
When a Delayed Diagnosis Is Medical Malpractice
Not every adverse outcome is malpractice. But a delayed heart attack diagnosis may be when:
- Symptoms or risk factors were clearly present
- Staff failed to follow standard diagnostic protocols
- The hospital did not properly monitor the patient
- A provider ignored or discounted the patient’s concerns
- There was a breakdown in communication between ER, nurses, and cardiology
- Providers discharged the patient despite red flags
To prove malpractice, an investigation typically includes:
- Reviewing EKGs and serial changes
- Analyzing lab results and timing of troponin tests
- Examining the patient’s vital signs and nurse notes
- Evaluating whether proper protocols were followed
- Consulting with emergency medicine and cardiology experts
A skilled medical malpractice attorney can identify where the breakdown occurred—and whether the delay caused additional heart damage, disability, or death.
How Delayed Diagnosis Affects Recovery
The longer a heart attack goes untreated, the more heart muscle dies. A delayed or missed diagnosis can lead to:
- Permanent heart damage
- Heart failure
- Lifelong medication needs
- Loss of ability to work
- Disability
- Higher risk of future cardiac events
- Wrongful death
These physical and emotional losses often translate into significant medical bills, long-term care needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering—all of which are recoverable damages in a malpractice case.
A Word From Martin Hoffman, Founder of HL&A
“In more than 40 years of handling medical malpractice cases, delayed diagnosis of heart attacks remains one of the most heartbreaking—and most preventable—events we see. When a doctor misses the warning signs, the consequences are almost always devastating for the patient and their family. Our job is to uncover what went wrong and fight for answers and accountability.”
— Martin Hoffman, Founding Partner
What Families Can Do After a Missed Heart Attack Diagnosis*
If you or a loved one suffered harm after a delayed diagnosis, you should:
- Request the full medical record from the ER or hospital
- Write down all symptoms and what the provider said
- Preserve discharge instructions or test results
- Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney quickly
Medical malpractice cases are complex, and Florida has strict deadlines and pre-suit requirements. Early investigation is essential.
*Florida limits who can bring a medical malpractice case. To learn more about who can and who cannot bring a claim, click here.
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti: Over 40 Years of Experience Fighting for South Florida Families
Heart attack misdiagnosis cases demand meticulous review of medical records, collaboration with top cardiac experts, and a law firm willing to go head-to-head with large hospital systems and insurance companies.
With offices throughout Florida, Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti has represented injured patients and grieving families for more than four decades. We understand the medicine, the law, and the real-world impact these failures have on South Florida families.
If you believe a delayed heart attack diagnosis caused serious harm or the loss of someone you love, you deserve answers.
Call Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti for a free consultation.
We’ll listen. We’ll investigate. And we’ll fight for the justice your family deserves.
Call us 24/7 @305-653-5555 Text @ 305-653-1515 Email us at [email protected] or complete this form and our experienced Medical Malpractice attorneys will contact you.
We will see you in any of our offices, by phone or ZOOM, at your home or your hospital, anywhere in Florida or throughout the United States.
