Heart conditions can develop quickly and have life-threatening consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. When signs of a serious cardiac issue are missed, misinterpreted, or treatment delayed, the consequences for a patient can be devastating.

Cardiology negligence claims typically arise where a medical professional has failed to identify or act on clear symptoms of a possible heart condition. If this results in harm that could have been avoided with reasonable care, the patient (or their family) may be able to pursue a cardiology clinical negligence claim.

In this article, we explain the most common types of cardiology claims, what causes them, how to prove negligence, and how much compensation might be awarded. If you have any further questions about cardiology negligence, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team.

Please contact our specialist medical negligence team in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds, or fill in the enquiry form on the right-hand side of our contact page.

What is considered cardiology negligence?

Cardiology clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide an acceptable standard of care in diagnosing or treating a heart-related condition. If this failure results in avoidable harm, such as delayed treatment culminating in permanent injury or death, a claim may be possible.

What are the most common cardiology conditions involved in negligence claims?

Cardiology negligence covers a wide range of heart conditions, but some are more commonly  investigated as legal claims due to how serious the consequences are. . Below we explore the most frequently misdiagnosed or mishandled heart conditions.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Failing to diagnose a heart attack promptly can have fatal consequences. Cardiology claims often involve cases where patients presenting with chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue are sent home or misdiagnosed with less serious conditions. Women, younger people, and those with atypical symptoms are particularly vulnerable to misdiagnosis.

Delays in administering treatment such as aspirin, thrombolytics or PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) can significantly increase the risk of death or permanent damage to the heart.

Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. Its symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack or other less serious conditions. Failure to identify an aortic dissection quickly can result in internal bleeding, stroke, or even death.

Negligence  claims involving aortic dissection typically arise from delays in CT or MRI imaging, poor history-taking, or misinterpretation of results.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is caused by a blood clot travelling to the lungs, often from the leg due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and blocks a blood vessel. Although not strictly a heart condition, it often presents with symptoms similar to cardiac issues, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

Medical cardiology claims involving pulmonary embolism (PE) usually stem from failures to order appropriate tests, such as D-dimer blood tests or CT pulmonary angiograms, or to act on abnormal results. Missed pulmonary embolisms and lack of treatment can lead to sudden collapse or death.

Heart failure

Heart failure is usually a result of underlying conditions that weaken the heart which can develop gradually or suddenly. The heart is then unable to pump blood effectively around the body. When medical professionals fail to spot warning signs, such as swelling, fatigue or breathlessness, , necessary treatment may be delayed, resulting in permanent harm.

Cardiology negligence claims may also arise from prescribing the wrong medication or failing to monitor a patient’s condition appropriately which results in avoidable injury.

Cardiac tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is a critical condition where fluid accumulates around the heart, compressing it and limiting its function. It’s causes can include trauma, cardiac surgery or infection.

It is also a medical emergency. Claims commonly involve failures to order urgent echocardiography, misinterpreting chest x-rays, or delays in performing pericardiocentesis (removal of fluid). Even short delays can lead to cardiac arrest.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause palpitations, dizziness or blackouts. In some cases, they are harmless, but others, such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, can be fatal without appropriate treatment.

Negligence can occur if a GP or emergency department fails to refer for a specialist assessment or does act upon results from ECGs. Inappropriate prescribing of medication for arrhythmias resulting in injury may also be a cause of a claim.

Congenital heart disease

Babies born with congenital heart defects need close monitoring, diagnosis and sometimes early surgery. Misdiagnosis or failure to pick up abnormalities during scans or in the first weeks of life can lead to potential catastrophic outcomes.

Parents may be able to make a cardiology negligence claim on behalf of their child where proper diagnostic steps, such as echocardiograms, were not taken in time or test results were not acted upon.

Syncope (fainting)

Fainting, or syncope, can be a symptom of a range of underlying heart conditions. Doctors may wrongly assume that it is caused by dehydration, low blood sugar or stress, when in fact it could signal a serious arrhythmia, valve problem, or structural heart defect.

Medical cardiology claims for syncope focus on failures to take a full history, perform ECGs, or refer the patient for cardiology review when red flag signs are present.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is rare but life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment, often by way of intravenous antibiotics, are essential.

Negligence may arise from delays in recognising symptoms like fever and heart murmur, or failing to take blood cultures and arrange test such as an echocardiogram. Delayed treatment can lead to valve damage, stroke or even death.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This is a mostly inherited condition causing thickening of the heart muscle and can lead to arrhythmias and sudden death, especially in young people. It often goes undiagnosed until a major cardiac event occurs.

Medical cardiology claims for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy frequently arise from  poor documentation of family history, failures to screen at-risk individuals, or misinterpretation of ECG and echocardiogram results.

How do I prove a cardiology negligence claim?

You will need to demonstrate substandard care (breach of duty) and, as a result of that substandard care, there has been harm which would, on the balance of probabilities (ie. more likely than not) have been avoided but for that substandard care (causation).  This usually involves gathering medical records, independent expert evidence, and witness statements.

What compensation can I receive for a cardiology negligence claim?

Compensation varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury. It may include damages for pain and suffering, future care needs, lost earnings, and any medical treatment or rehabilitation required.

Do I need a specialist solicitor to handle a cardiology negligence claim?

Yes. Cardiology cases are medically and legally complex. A solicitor with specific experience in cardiology medical negligence will be better equipped to gather the right evidence, instruct the correct experts, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact our cardiology negligence solicitors today

If you would like to discuss your circumstances, you can contact our medical negligence solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds, or fill in the enquiry form on the right-hand side of our contact page.