The medical community in New York does a better job of diagnosing and treating heart disease in men than in women. This disparity results from gender-based differences in symptoms and variations in cardiovascular disease between the sexes.

Almost two-thirds of women who eventually die from heart attacks did not report any chest pain. Crushing chest pain is a common symptom among men, but, in women, heart problems might only produce a feeling of chest heaviness and shortness of breath.

Women often have a different type of heart disease than men. Microvascular disease, which involves the buildup of plaque inside small arteries, is more prevalent in female patients. An estimated 2 to 3 million women have this form of heart disease in the country. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease occurs more frequently among men. This disease blocks large arteries, and doctors tend to perform coronary angiography and stress tests that are meant to detect this condition. To detect the presence of microvascular disease, they should screen patients with a test known as the Duke Activity Status Index. Because of inconsistent knowledge among medical providers about the gender-based variations in heart disease, heart problems tend to go undetected for longer periods, and women receive less treatment.

A doctor misdiagnosis could delay treatment or result in treatments for the wrong medical condition. A person who experienced harm in a medical setting may wish to discuss the case with an attorney familiar with medical litigation. An attorney might document evidence of medical negligence. If an independent physician provides testimony about medical treatment failing to meet legal standards, then an attorney may file a lawsuit. This action might produce a pretrial settlement when the attorney communicates the claim to the responsible party. Otherwise, an attorney may be able to present the facts of the case to a jury.