Signs and symptoms

Most people imagine a heart attack as a dramatic clutch-the-chest collapse. But a new study shows the common mental image of heart attack symptoms rarely reflects reality, and that misunderstanding could cost precious minutes when it matters most.

Doctors who dismiss or trivialize patients’ symptoms can cause long-lasting harm, according to a new study. This “medical gaslighting” can not only cause feelings of shame and anger but can also lead people to stop seeking medical help altogether.