With a Heart Attack, Time is Critical
The first hour of a heart attack is the most critical. In serious cases, immediate treatment can make all the difference between life and death. If you think you’re having a heart attack, getting immediate treatment may help minimize the amount of damage to the heart muscle, making recovery faster and more complete.
Go to a Place that is Ready. Go to the Experts in Heart Care
When it comes to cardiac care, you want nothing but the best care possible -- your heart is depending on it. Glendale Memorial Heart Center is one of the leading centers in Los Angeles County designated as a ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Receiving Site for the fast treatment of heart attack patients. We have been so since the program’s inception.
How this program works is that emergency medical services (EMS) providers notify Glendale Memorial when they have a heart attack patient on the way, so the Heart Center’s cardiac team can activate the catheterization laboratories and be ready upon the patient’s arrival – ensuring immediate care at the time of arrival.
“This coordination is best for the patients. It can save lives,” says Santo S. Polito, MD, Heart Center medical director. “The quality and results of our prompt and efficient treatment of heart attack patients are among the best in the nation,” adds Dr. Polito.
Would You Know If You Were Having a Heart Attack?
Glendale Memorial Heart Center wants to help you recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Signs & Symptoms
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some signs and symptoms:
- Chest discomfort occurs in the center of the chest and lasts more than a few minutes; feeling of uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, lightheadedness, breaking out in a cold sweat
Symptoms Unique to Women
For women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest, including tightness, pressure or a squeezing sensation. However, some women can also experience the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath, often without any chest pain
- Nausea or indigestion-like symptoms
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness or dizziness
- Palpitations, cold sweats or paleness
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Find the Right Doctor for Your Heart
Let Glendale Memorial help you choose the right doctor in just one phone call. It’s fast and easy. For an appointment or second opinion with one of our cardiologists, call Doctor Finder today at (818) 502-BEST.
Glendale Memorial’s emergency department is open 24 hours each day, seven days a week and is conveniently located on the corner of Los Feliz Blvd. and Central Ave.
