Heart Emergencies Require Timely Care

4/26/2021

MILTON, Fla., – We’ve changed habits and actions to protect our health during the pandemic, but one thing still remains the same – we need to take quick action with a possible heart attack. Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely detection and treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase the damage to heart muscle.

Santa Rosa Medical Center (SRMC) has deep resources ready to support diagnosis and intervention in the event of a heart attack. As an accredited Chest Pain Center, SRMC is focusing on you, your needs and your health.

“Our team stands ready to help and the sooner we can see a patient to assess their condition and intervene, the better,” said Timothy Rak, M.D. “The hospital has great resources to help patients and has taken important precautions to enhance safety in light of the pandemic. Timely action and COVID-19 safety are top of mind at all times.”

Concern for safety during the pandemic has kept many people from seeking medical help and that can get in the way of timely treatment in an emergency. Santa Rosa Medical Center is actively working to maintain a safe environment patients can get medical help whether for a medical emergency or routine care.

SRMC’s precautions include enhanced practices for infection prevention, restricted access to the facility, and furniture arrangement to support social distancing and patient flow. Caregivers practice infection prevention including wearing personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for each patient. Care for patients is delivered in a safe and effective manner, following and meeting CDC guidelines and recommendations, while following enhanced safety processes.

Rak continued, “It’s important for members of our community to put their health first and to feel comfortable getting the care they need. We encourage our patients to always seek immediate emergency medical care for serious conditions such as a heart attack to support the best possible outcome.”

Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance is the best action rather than trying to drive to the hospital yourself when you or someone you are with is experiencing a heart attack or heart attack symptoms. EMS crews are trained to care for patients experiencing a heart attack, so you’ll get medical care sooner.

Signs of a possible heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and/or pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm or shoulder. Women also may feel nauseous, light-headed or unusually tired.

If you need more information on your personal risk factors for heart disease, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, at SantaRosaMedicalGroup.com.

Sources: CDC.gov/heartdisease/heart-attack.htm

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