Our Emergency Department is ready for a traumatic cardiac event at a moment’s notice. North Cypress recognizes the need for immediate care and intervention in critical situations dealing with the heart. All of the Emergency Department treatment rooms are equipped with modern cardiac and invasive monitoring systems. For potential heart attack victims, the North Cypress Emergency Department is capable of receiving 12-lead EKGs from Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers while they are transporting patients to the hospital, meaning our Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and surgical teams will be alerted and on standby for your arrival. Surgical teams at North Cypress Medical Center are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients who have suffered a Heart Attack often bypass the Emergency Room and go straight to the Cath Lab, saving vital minutes.
Identifying a Heart Attack
The American Heart Association states that coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. It is so important that people reduce their risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Many times those suffering aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Symptoms of a heart attack can include the following:
- Pain or pressure felt in the chest - It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
- Pain radiating down an arm or to the jaw
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitation
Just remember that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you feel like you may be having a heart attack but are unsure, it is best to immediately be checked out by medical professionals. Minutes matter. Calling 9-1-1 is the fastest way to get treatment in an emergency. EMS staff and paramedics are trained to treat patients in the midst of a heart attack. If you are unable to call 9-1-1, have someone drive you to the hospital as soon as possible.
