Tag: implicit bias in cardiology

Cardiac care: more good news for young, healthy white men

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 10 Comments

by Carolyn Thomas    ♥   @HeartSisters  

Being misdiagnosed with acid reflux and sent home from Emergency in mid-heart attack was when I learned that certain heart patients will be appropriately cared for, while other patients will not. I’ve been writing and speaking about what polite academics call under-served heart patient populations ever since since my own “widow maker” heart attack in 2008. And now a new international Commission has formed to “address the persistent disparities in cardiovascular health.” 

What the term “persistent disparities” specifically means is that the quality of care you’ll receive during your cardiac event varies depending on your age, your skin colour, your mental health and whether you’re a man or a woman.  
Continue reading “Cardiac care: more good news for young, healthy white men” →

Women’s heart attacks (still!) more likely misdiagnosed than men’s

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 35 Comments

by Carolyn Thomas   ♥   @HeartSisters   

My interest in women’s misdiagnosed heart attacks began after my own misdiagnosed heart attack. Despite textbook cardiac symptoms of central chest pain, nausea, profuse sweating and pain down my left arm, I was confidently told: “You’re in the right demographic for acid reflux!” – and sent home from the Emergency Department. 

I know that, had I been appropriately diagnosed and treated on that fateful day, I’d have little interest in this topic. But I wasn’t. So I do.     .         .    Continue reading “Women’s heart attacks (still!) more likely misdiagnosed than men’s” →

A cardiologist’s own family calls 911 – but has to beg for help

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 12 Comments

by Carolyn Thomas  ♥  @HeartSisters  

Dr. Jennifer Co-Vu is a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Florida Congenital Heart Center. She recently shared on Twitter a chilling report of what happened when 911 was called to help her own mother-in-law who was experiencing crushing chest pain. The ambulance arrived quickly, but paramedics told this 65-year old woman with diabetes that she was having a panic attack.

Unlike other women who are misdiagnosed in mid-heart attack, however, this patient had immediate access to something few of us have: doctors in her family.   .. Continue reading “A cardiologist’s own family calls 911 – but has to beg for help” →