Cardiac Negligence claims.

Cardiac negligence claims arise when heart conditions that should have been identified and treated are missed, and the patient goes on to suffer an avoidable heart attack, cardiac arrest or irreversible heart damage.

The recurring failures are well recognised: chest pain dismissed without an ECG or troponin testing; unstable angina — the classic warning that a heart attack may be imminent — not admitted and treated; significant valve disease or arrhythmias visible on examination, ECG or echocardiogram but not followed up; and abnormal test results filed without action. Each has an established care pathway under NICE guidance, and departures from those pathways are strong evidence of substandard care.

Endocarditis — infection of the heart valves — deserves particular mention. It is rare, insidious and very serious: untreated, it destroys valves and causes heart failure, strokes and death. Patients with persistent fever and risk factors (valve disease, prosthetic valves, recent procedures) should be investigated with blood cultures and echocardiography. Delayed diagnosis of endocarditis is a recognised source of negligence claims because the condition is treatable with prolonged antibiotics — and sometimes surgery — if caught in time.

Compensation depends on the cardiac damage: £30,000–£150,000 where earlier treatment would have avoided part of the injury, and £250,000–£1.5 million where avoidable infarction or arrest caused lasting heart failure or brain injury, with lifelong medication, reduced working capacity and care needs. Fatal cases are brought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The limitation period is generally 3 years from the harm or date of knowledge.