When heart problems occur during anesthesia, the injuries can be severe and permanent. Proper cardiac monitoring and careful medication management make most anesthesia-related heart injuries preventable. When medical professionals fail to follow these standards, patients may suffer.
Symptoms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Very low or very high blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Cardiac arrest
- Poor perfusion (cold, clammy skin)
Other symptoms may include sudden changes in heart rate, fluctuating blood pressure, low oxygen levels, or loss of consciousness. Because anesthesia suppresses normal body responses, these symptoms may go unnoticed unless medical staff monitor the patient properly.
What causes heart problems during anesthesia?
Several errors can cause a patient to suffer an issue with their heart during anesthesia. Proper cardiac monitoring and careful medication management make most anesthesia-related heart injuries preventable.
Miscalculating the dose of anesthetic medications can change how the heart works or how it beats. If a provider overlooks possible drug interactions or fails to review a patient’s cardiac history, it can also cause serious heart problems.
If the staff fails to monitor the patient or doesn’t immediately recognize cardiac problems, the patient may face life-threatening issues. Equipment failures, such as malfunctioning blood pressure monitors or EKG leads, can hide early symptoms.
Serious heart problems caused by anesthesia
Heart problems are among the most serious medical conditions a person can experience. Problems with the heart can also cause complications for other parts of the body, both of which can require long-term care.
Heart attacks are known to be deadly but may also cause cardiac arrest, which can trigger a range of other health problems. Cardiac arrest may lead to brain damage if resuscitation is delayed. It can also cause the heart to beat differently or cause long-term heart failure.
When blood flow is reduced during these events, vital organs, including the kidneys and brain, can be injured. Even when patients survive these events, they may face a lifetime of cardiac issues, medication requirements, and reduced physical abilities.
Legal support is often necessary to determine whether the anesthesia team followed accepted guidelines and to ensure the patient receives the compensation needed for long-term care.
If you or a loved one is suffering from heart problems after receiving anesthesia, contact Weisser Law today for your free consultation.