Heart Disease: A Good Outlook Begins With a Proper Diagnosis

CAMP HILL, PA, February 24, 2012

Most of us know someone -- a family member, a friend or another Philadelphian -- who has a heart problem or has suffered a stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, killing roughly 2,200 people every day. February is American Heart Month, a reminder to all Americans that the battle against heart disease is winnable.

Through a campaign titled "Million Hearts," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set the goal of preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2016. The key to this initiative is prevention and treatment of diagnosed heart ailments. Making healthy choices like avoiding fatty foods and tobacco, combined with regular exercise, will go a long way toward preventing heart problems. The other crucial element of avoiding heart issues is proper treatment. Every person who is living with a heart problem should heed the advice of an experienced doctor and take prescribed medication as directed.

Proper Health Care Is Crucial

Prevention and treatment will make a tremendous difference in eradicating America's problems with cardiovascular disease, but patients also must work hand-in-hand with doctors to diagnose heart problems. Most of us are not doctors, so we rely on physicians to tell us when there is a problem; if a doctor fails to do so accurately or in a timely manner, grave consequences can result.

Medical malpractice can play a huge part in the mortality rate of patients with heart problems. As we rely on doctors to make a diagnosis, we also count on them to treat patients correctly. If a doctor mismanages treatment through a medication error, that, too, can have far-reaching implications for heart patients.

The important thing to know is that cardiovascular disease is preventable. Individuals can control their actions and health with a healthy lifestyle and doctors can practice medicine according to approved standards. Heart disease is not the death sentence it once was, but without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be as deadly as ever.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm or death from a misdiagnosis or treatment error, contact an experienced Harrisburg hospital negligence attorney.

Website: http://www.pa-injurylaw.com