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Cardiac Imaging: Risks and Remedies
When patients display chest pain or other high-risk symptoms of heart problems, today's doctors increasing rely on cardiac imaging technology to determine the best treatment options.
July 08, 2010 /Surgery PR News/ -- When patients display chest pain or other high-risk symptoms of heart problems, today's doctors increasing rely on cardiac imaging technology to determine the best treatment options. Nuclear imaging and computed tomography (CT) tests use low-level radioactive processes to help detect heart disease, blocked coronary arteries, and reduced blood flow to the heart. However, while tests like these assist in making diagnoses, their widespread use has created concern over patients' radiation exposure levels. There is always a cancer risk associated with exposure to radiation, and some experts are wondering whether excessive testing may be doing more harm than good.
Benefits Versus Risks
Experts agree that cardiac CT or nuclear imaging tests should only be used when the clinical benefit is expected to exceed the potential harm. In most instances, these procedures are convenient, noninvasive, produce no immediate side effects, and generate clear, useful images.
Some patients, however, should never be exposed to radiation, such as women who may be pregnant. Furthermore, other procedures, like a routine treadmill test or electrocardiogram, can be used to help rule out heart problems for those at low risk of coronary artery disease before risking radiation exposure. Patients undergoing long-term treatment or who are subject to multiple tests should always be wary of their exposure levels.
Although testing that generates radiation is often the best way to develop an effective treatment plan, patients ought to explore all options with their physicians in determining whether the benefits of testing outweigh any potential cancer risk.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you or a family member has undergone cardiac imaging or may do so in the near future, there are some common concerns you may want to take into account. Lack of training on the part of those performing the tests may be an issue; as the technology involved in cardiac imaging is constantly evolving, doctors and technicians must keep up to date on new equipment and research. Additionally, radiologists and cardiologists sometimes are not effectively cross-trained, which could mean unreadable images or misinterpreted findings. Such mistakes might lead to retesting and more radiation exposure, or even misdiagnosis. Improper maintenance or calibration of the testing machines can also cause poor images or increase radiation exposure.
Before any radiation-producing testing, patients should be fully informed and warned of the risks. A health care provider who fails to provide adequately warnings and information to patients could face legal liability. It is especially important for doctors to notify those undergoing multiple tests of the long-term risks, and to provide education enabling patients to make informed decisions. If warnings have been insufficient or ineffective, ask your health care provider for more information, or seek the advice of a medical malpractice attorney.
Injuries and Remedies
Poor training, ineffective maintenance, or simple carelessness can have immense consequences for patients undergoing cardiac imaging. A poor or improperly analyzed image may lead to a misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosed patients receive medication for diseases they do not have, and face all the accompanying unnecessary side effects. Furthermore, the true cause of such patients' illnesses remains undetected, and they are not given the treatment they need. This could mean increased suffering, ongoing medical bills, or even death. Patients who have been exposed to excessive radioactive testing may also face future health problems. Every exposure to radiation entails an increased cancer risk, and those who have undergone prolonged testing should keenly monitor for warning signs of cancer.
If you or a loved one is undergoing cardiac imagining, take protective steps. Be sure your doctor has provided all important information, including warnings and a rundown of relative risks and benefits. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion on imaging results. Also, view requests for multiple radioactive tests over a short period of time with skepticism.
If you believe yourself or a loved one has already suffered due to faulty cardiac imaging analysis or needless overexposure to radiation, contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you of your rights, and help explore available legal options. While it is no substitute for your health, monetary compensation is commonly awarded in cases of medical malpractice. Payment can be obtained for both past and ongoing medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and other harm resulting from negligent misdiagnosis or radiation exposure.
Remember that an injury resulting from cardiac imaging is not your fault. Your doctor may have failed to provide an adequate warning, or you may have been the victim of a medical error. An attorney can help you take the first steps toward receiving fair compensation, and ensuring that others do not suffer from the same mistakes.
Article provided by Vincent Morgera
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