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Delay in diagnosis or other mismanagement of Atrial Fibrillation can lead to an avoidable stroke and may give rise to a claim of medical negligence.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often unusually fast heartbeat. It is caused by abnormal electrical impulses. In AF, the upper chambers of the heart do not pump efficiently. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance and affects around 1.4 million people in the UK.
AF can happen to anyone but usually affects adults and risk increases with age. It is more common in men and those with other conditions including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. AF may not have any obvious symptoms but it can cause palpations, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to diagnose AF. Treatments may include medication to control heart rate, such as beta blockers, medication to reduce the risk of stroke and procedures to restore normal heart rhythm, including cardioversion and the use of a pacemaker.
It is vital that AF is diagnosed and treated quickly, otherwise there is a danger that it may result in a stroke.
What is the link between Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke?
When the upper chambers of the heart do not pump efficiently, as in AF, there is a risk of blood clots forming. These clots can then travel to the brain and block arteries, causing a stroke. This can be fatal and survivors may be left with a brain injury and long-term disabilities.
The risk of stroke is five times greater for those with AF and, according to the Stoke Association, AF related strokes are often more severe, with higher mortality rates and greater disability.
The main treatment for AF to reduce the risk of stroke is blood thinning medication, known as anticoagulants. Anticoagulants slow down the clotting process, thereby making a clot less likely to form. However, there are some risks associated with anticoagulants which have to be considered by those prescribing them. There are a number that might be prescribed, including Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban and Warfarin.
The Stroke Association states that all patients with AF should be appropriately treated with anticoagulants - but that these are under prescribed in the UK and ‘around a quarter of eligible patients with AF do not receive anticoagulation’. It further estimates that if AF was adequately treated then around ‘7,000 strokes would be prevented and over 2,000 lives saved every year in England alone’.
Do I have a claim?
If AF was not properly diagnosed and treated and a stroke suffered then there may be a claim for medical negligence.
Avoidable strokes might be caused if there was a failure to:
- diagnose atrial fibrillation in time or at all;
- prescribe or administer anticoagulation in sufficient time;
- make the right referral.
To be successful it must be proved that the medical care provided was below a reasonable standard and but for this the stroke would have been avoided.
Obtaining compensation
Compensation can be awarded to cover the needs of stroke survivors and can include the cost of new or altered accommodation, care, equipment and private therapies. Those who have lost earnings and / or pension sums may be able to claim these. The costs associated with a Court of Protection Deputy may be included where a person no longer has capacity to manage their affairs. If a claim is being brought for the death of a loved one by their dependents, then the award could include sums for a loss of dependency both emotionally and financially.
How we can help
We specialise in stroke claims and understand how difficult it can be to navigate the future with a brain injury. We provide our clients with the highest level of support from the outset of a case and work with leading experts including those in the fields of cardiology and neurology to assess a claim. We ensure that any package of compensation obtained is maximised and that consideration is given to all future needs and losses. Our specialist Court of Protection team can also assist where a client needs a Deputy.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like any further information or advice about the topic discussed in this blog, please contact our Medical Negligence and Personal Injury team.
Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Team
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
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