An EKG is one of the most important tools in detecting a heart attack. It is for this reason that doctors must take their time and properly read an EKG. Unfortunately this is not always the case.
When a patient presents with complaints which trigger the use of a EKG, the EKG can tell doctors whether there is damage to the heart. For example, the EKG will allow doctors to see the condition of the heart, whether the patient has had a previous heart attack, whether the patient’s heart is beating in rhythm, etc… In addition to all of that, the EKG will alert the doctors whether the patient is having a heart attack right now.
But not all patients even receive an EKG, even when one should be done, and if they are given one, sometimes doctors misread them. This can have disastrous results on a patient who is getting ready to suffer a massive heart attack.
If you have had a heart attack, and you think that it is due to your doctor misreading your EKG, we invite you to pick up the phone and give us a call. We can be reached at 301-850-4832. We answer Maryland medical malpractice questions like yours all the time and we would be glad to hear your story.