Emergency Department
Coronary heart disease is America's number 1 killer. Stroke is number 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it is so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Prompt treatment of heart attacks and strokes is crucial to survival. Jefferson Memorial Hospital provides a full service Emergency Department with specially trained staff.
Early heart attack care begins with the onset of mild chest discomfort. At this stage heart damage can be prevented. It is encouraged that anyone experiencing chest pain or other heart attack warning signs call 9-1-1 immediately.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
- Chest discomfort - Most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
- Discomfort above the waist - Symptoms can include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath - This feeling may come along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
- Other signs - These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Stroke Warning Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Cardiac Arrest Strikes Immediately and Without Warning
- Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
- No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
- No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.
- If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately.