New York women who suffer from anxiety may be interested to learn that they may be more likely to have a reduced blood flow to the heart during exercise. A study found that those who have an anxiety disorder often have a reduced amount of blood traveling to their heart, which can be an indication of heart-associated diseases.

The study found that women who suffered from anxiety were 75 percent more likely to have reduced blood flow than women who did not have anxiety. Additionally, women with anxiety disorders may not be diagnosed with heart disease as the symptoms for anxiety can mask the symptoms for heart disease. Both men who had and had not been diagnosed with anxiety disorders did not appear to exhibit the same shortage of oxygen to the heart.

When many women suffer a heart attack, they often have symptoms that include sharp or burning chest pain and pain in the back, abdomen or throat. Symptoms from an anxiety disorder may be very similar. As such, it is recommended that women who have anxiety disorders undergo diagnostic testing to ensure that the symptoms they are experiencing are being caused by the anxiety disorder and not heart disease.

When a doctor gives a delayed diagnosis, the patient may have to undergo procedures that may have been avoided if the disorder or disease was diagnosed earlier. This can cause the patient to suffer physical and emotional pain in addition to being unable to work. An attorney can often assist in seeking compensation for these and other applicable losses through a medical malpractice lawsuit.