Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America.
With all the treatment done to help prevent these deaths, it should come as no surprise that many medical malpractice cases affect heart patients. One of the risk factors includes invasive tests. Now, a new MRI technique has the potential to replace those tests, significantly reducing the risk of medical malpractice related to heart failure diagnoses.
The Study
Recent research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Queen Mary University of London reveals that MRI scans can reliably estimate pressures inside the heart, a crucial indicator for predicting the development of heart failure. Analyzing data from over 39,000 UK Biobank participants, MRI-derived pressure measurements were shown to be just as reliable for predicting heart failure. In fact, participants with higher heart pressures detected by MRI had a fivefold increased risk of developing heart failure over the next six years.
Impact on Medical Malpractice
By integrating these factors into a predictive model, doctors can now better anticipate and prevent heart failure, catching it early before it develops into a life-threatening condition. The early detection capability of this approach not only helps save lives – the non-invasive quality reduces the potential for medical errors that could result in serious injuries or death.
Remember: A well-informed patient is a well-protected patient. Ask your doctor about this MRI technique, and always seek a second opinion before moving forward with any major medical procedure. And if unnecessary tests or diagnostic errors cause a serious injury or death for you or a loved one, get a free consultation with the expert malpractice attorneys at CHH.
SOURCES
Thompson, R. J. (2024). Risk factors for raised left ventricular filling pressure by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: Prognostic insights. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
