G. Eric Nielson & Associates, LLC

Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is caused by cholesterol deposits that build up, resulting in restricted blood flow to the heart. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, heart disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. And the American College of Cardiology reports that it kills nearly 500,000 Americans each year.

Thanks to advances in medical science, doctors can successfully treat ischemic heart disease through a variety of medical and surgical procedures. For instance, doctors can prescribe powerful drugs, like beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme ("ACE") inhibitors. These drugs help treat symptoms associated with heart disease. Other times, a surgeon may perform angioplasty, a procedure where a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the point of the occlusion, then inflated to restore blood flow.

Because heart disease is so common, hospitals compete for patients, and aggressively advertise their cardiac care services. Unfortunately, the service is sometimes inadequate, and critical warning signs are ignored. These signs include angina, which is chest pain that often radiates into an arm or the neck; high blood pressure; and subjective patient factors such as weight and family history.

When these signs are caught, tragedy can be avoided. But if they are missed, due to medical error or physician negligence, patients can suffer heart attacks, unnecessary procedures, and even death.

The Utah medical malpractice lawyers at G. Eric Nielson & Associates are experienced at investigation and prosecution of claims related to negligent cardiac treatment. If you or someone you know has been the victim of negligent cardiac care, contact us today. You may have a claim for medical malpractice.