After undergoing a heart procedure, it is essential for doctors to be vigilant about post-surgery care. Even a surgery that seemed to go perfectly can result in complications that are hard to predict until they happen. One complication that can be fatal if not caught quickly is called cardiac tamponade.
Cardiac tamponade is when blood or fluid builds up in the space between the heart muscle and the outer covering sac of the heart. As a result, pressure is put on the heart. All of that pressure will not allow the heart to function normally and the heart ventricles cannot fully expand. It is a serious medical emergency. Once a doctor catches it, the fluid around the heart has to be drained out as quickly as possible. If it is diagnosed and treated quickly, there's a good chance the patient will be fine in the long run. However, if it goes untreated, cardiac tamponade can cause heart failure, pulmonary edema, shock or even death.
It can be hard for a doctor to diagnose the cardiac tamponade because the symptoms can be similar to many other ailments: chest pain, light-headedness, trouble breathing, pale skin, abdominal swelling or just overall discomfort. It is up to the doctor to recognize the fact that cardiac tamponade is possible and then take the necessary steps to alleviate the problem immediately.
If you suffered from complications after heart surgery and you feel it was because of your doctor's negligent actions, you may have a cardiology malpractice case on your hands. Girards Law represents cardiology malpractice victims in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Call today for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.