A pulmonary embolism is the medical term for blood clots, and they are fairly easy for doctors to treat if diagnosed correctly. However, sometimes doctors can mistake blood clots for another illness. The result is that the patient experiences further health complications and even death.
Blood clots are not limited to elderly patients. Many young people who spend a lot of time traveling can develop blood clots from prolonged sitting. They consult a doctor who mistakes their symptoms for an anxiety attack without checking for blood clots. The symptoms of a blood clot can include the following:
· Swollen calf
· Shortness of breath and sweating
· Feeling faint and sweating
Once identified, doctors can treat blood clots with blood thinners. If not identified early enough, blood clots can travel to the lungs and lead to death from lack of oxygen. Patients who have deep vein thrombosis are at risk for blood clots and should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the above symptoms.
If you or a loved one suffers physical harm from a medical mistake, call our office at 504-522-7885 for a free case review. Our medical malpractice website has more information about how we can help you.
Harrell & Nowak, LLC – New Orleans medical malpractice attorneys