When a heart attack strikes, time is of the essence. Swift medical treatment plays a key role in saving lives and reducing the long-term impact of any damage to the heart or other organs. However, a release by researchers at Montreal’s McGill University discovered that women’s heart attacks are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety – a mistake that can prove fatal.
Early treatment for a suspected heart attack frequently involves two procedures: an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check the patient’s heart rhythms and fibrinolysis to help prevent a fatal blood clot from forming during a heart attack. When these treatments are administered promptly, doctors are more likely to correctly diagnose and quickly treat a heart attack, which can prevent or reduce damage to the heart while also saving the patient’s life.
The study surveyed 1,123 patients, ages 18 to 55, who had been admitted to one of 24 Canadian hospitals, to one U.S. hospital, or to one hospital in Switzerland.
The McGill University study is not the only one to reveal a troubling difference in the way male and female patients are treated when they appear with heart attack symptoms. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the cases of over 10,000 patients who went to hospital emergency rooms with heart attack symptoms. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for panic attack symptoms, which include chest pain, racing heart, and feelings of impending doom.
Intense fear is a common symptom of panic attacks, which can sometimes be mistaken for heart attack symptoms.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear and dread in response to certain situations or objects. These disorders can significantly impact daily life, causing individuals to experience a range of physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, and trembling. Anxiety disorders can affect people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Interestingly, women are about twice as likely as men to experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Fortunately, effective treatments are available, including therapy and medication, which can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
THE RESEARCHERS FOUND THAT…
Women under age 55 were seven times more likely to be misdiagnosed than men under age 55.
Whether male or female, if the patient was sent home with the wrong diagnosis, his or her chance of dying of a heart attack doubled.
Similarly, in a study performed by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that when men or women with heart attack symptoms were taken to an emergency room by paramedics, men were commonly given either aspirin or nitroglycerin in transit. Both commonly used medications can reduce the damage caused by a heart attack. However, not a single female patient included in the study was given these medications – even when paramedics correctly suspected the patient was having a heart attack.
Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive and unrealistic worry over a sustained period, which can sometimes be mistaken for heart attack symptoms.
Women’s Health: Why Are Heart Attacks and Chest Pain Often Misdiagnosed?
Researchers in the McGill University study attributed the delay in female patients’ care to two main factors:
- Young women are, on average, less likely to suffer from a case of acute coronary syndrome than young men – which means that medical personnel may not be looking as closely for the condition in young women.
- Female patients are more likely than male patients to arrive with a diagnosis of anxiety already in their record, meaning that medical staff may simply dismiss the patient’s symptoms as related to the previous anxiety diagnosis instead of indicating a heart attack.
Frequent panic attacks can also contribute to the misdiagnosis of heart attacks in women, as their symptoms can be similar.
The problem also persists outside hospital emergency rooms. According to a study by the American Heart Association, only 8 percent of family doctors and 17 percent of cardiologists even knew that heart disease kills more women than men each year. Many were unaware that the symptoms of a heart attack in women look different from the “classic” symptoms, which are more commonly experienced by men.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
American Heart Association provides information about how the symptoms of a heart attack in a female patient may differ from the symptoms a male patient would experience, even if the two patients are similar in other ways. The organization encourages women, their families, and their physicians to keep in mind symptoms like:
- An uncomfortable squeezing, pressure, fullness or pain in the center of the chest. The pain may last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. Severe chest pain is a characteristic symptom of heart attacks, which is more intense and persistent compared to the chest pain experienced during a panic attack.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath – which may occur with or without chest pain.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness.
If you suspect you or someone you know is having a heart attack, the American Heart Association urges you to call 911 immediately. Try to stay calm and take slow, deep breaths as you wait for paramedics to arrive.
If you are injured by a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a heart attack or other condition, don’t hesitate to seek legal help as well. At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our Long Island medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping injured patients seek the compensation they deserve.
The Difference Between Anxiety and Heart Attacks
Anxiety and heart attacks can share similar symptoms, making it challenging to tell them apart. However, there are some key differences that can help distinguish between the two. A heart attack typically causes a squeezing or pressure sensation in the center of the chest, which can last for several minutes or even hours. In contrast, a panic attack often results in a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that usually lasts for a few minutes. Both conditions can cause shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness, but these symptoms are generally more severe during a heart attack. Understanding these differences is crucial for seeking the appropriate medical attention promptly.
Risk Factors for Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis of anxiety disorders can occur due to various factors. One primary risk factor is the similarity in symptoms between anxiety disorders and other medical conditions, such as heart attacks. This overlap can make it difficult for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose the condition. Additionally, anxiety disorders can coexist with other mental health conditions, further complicating the diagnostic process. Some individuals may also delay seeking medical attention for their symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. These factors contribute to the risk of misdiagnosis and highlight the importance of thorough medical evaluations.
Complications of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosing anxiety disorders can lead to several complications. Delayed treatment can exacerbate symptoms, causing increased distress and impairment in daily life. Misdiagnosis can also result in unnecessary medical procedures and treatments, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, misdiagnosis can increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as depression and substance abuse. These complications underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for anxiety disorders.
Prevention and Awareness
Prevention and awareness are crucial in managing anxiety disorders. Individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of developing anxiety disorders by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, and engaging in regular exercise. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health provider can also help individuals manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Raising awareness about anxiety disorders can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek medical attention for their symptoms. By understanding the differences between anxiety and heart attacks, individuals can seek medical attention promptly and receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Q&A
How can social anxiety disorder be mistaken for a heart attack?
Social anxiety disorder and heart attacks share symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and a racing heart. This overlap can trigger anxiety disorders to be misdiagnosed as heart-related conditions or vice versa.
What are common symptoms of anxiety attacks compared to heart attacks?
Anxiety attacks often involve sharp chest pains, intense fear, and sweating, which last for minutes. Heart attacks typically cause squeezing chest pain and other symptoms like nausea or inadequate blood flow for longer durations.
How does a misdiagnosis of a heart attack impact those with anxiety disorders?
Misdiagnosis can delay treatment for heart attacks, increasing mortality risks. For anxiety disorders, it may lead to unnecessary treatments, heightened distress, or complications with other disorders due to untreated conditions.
What steps can help treat anxiety disorders effectively?
Anxiety disorders can be managed with therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise and mindfulness practices. Early recognition of triggers and professional help are vital to help those who feel anxious frequently.
Why is it important to distinguish between anxiety and heart attacks?
Proper diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment. Misinterpreting heart failure symptoms as anxiety can be fatal, while mistaking anxiety attacks for heart issues may lead to unnecessary tests and neglect of mental disorders.
