Dr. Catherine Pang

My beautiful mother had symptoms of heart disease, including chest pain, stomach pain, and nausea, but we were told her symptoms were anxiety. She had been experiencing symptoms for weeks, and our family specifically asked for her to be referred to a cardiologist. Cardiac evaluation was needed indefinitely. This left our family with more questions than answers. We love you so much and wish every day that you were still here with us.

A family member with a documented cardiac history presented to Dr. Pang with severe chest pain radiating to the arm, back, and throat along with cold sweats. An EKG was performed and the symptoms were attributed to anxiety and heartburn. No cardiac bloodwork, cardiology consultation, or emergency referral was arranged during the visit. In the weeks leading up to this appointment, there were multiple visits for similar symptoms including chest pain and palpitations. Patient was sent home with symptoms attributing to anxiety and heartburn. The evening before the appointment, a message was sent requesting evaluation of possible cardiac causes. No response. Later that same day, she was hospitalized with a severe cardiac event and passed away. If you are an older patient with cardiac risk factors experiencing chest pain, advocate for yourself, ask questions, and seek prompt medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen.