HEART AND VASCULAR CARE

Chest Pain Center Accreditation

Tucson Heart Hospital, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital have become the first hospitals in Southern Arizona with Accredited Chest Pain Centers.
 
Accreditation is granted by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international nonprofit that works to improve care for patients with acute coronary syndromes and acute heart failure. To qualify, hospitals must meet or exceed stringent standards for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks.
 
What does this mean to you?
 
If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of a possible heart attack (link to page of symptoms for men and women), you will receive efficient and effective care at any of our three hospitals in Tucson. Whether you are on the Eastside, Westside or near Midtown, we have you covered. 
 
When minutes count, a quick, systematic response offers the best chance for a good outcome.
 
From the time you enter the emergency center, we work to ensure you are quickly seen by a physician. The rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of potential heart attacks save lives and prevent damage to heart muscle.
 
Physicians, clinicians, and associates across the hospital will work in concert to give you the right care. We also will carefully monitor your condition – ensuring that you are not sent home too early or required to stay longer than necessary.
 
According to a national study led by an Emory University researcher, Accredited Chest Pain Centers perform better on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ core measures for heart attack care than non-accredited hospitals.1
 
Carondelet’s three Accredited Chest Pain Centers. Three more reasons to trust your heart to Carondelet.

 
1 Science Daily, July 9, 2008

Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

•  Pain – which may also be felt in the arms, neck, tooth, jaw, or back – or tightness, burning, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes OR goes away and then returns. Sometimes called the “elephant sitting on my chest” feeling.
  
•  Chest discomfort with fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, or sweating

 Other Warning Signs

•  Unusual pain in the chest, abdomen, or stomach
•  Fast or uneven heartbeat or pulse
•  Sweating for no reason; pale, gray, or clammy skin
•  Any new or worsening chest pain (for example, lasts longer or occurs more frequently)

Signs More Common In Women than Men

• An uneasy feeling in the chest along with
•  Unexplained or extreme anxiety
•  Unusual fatigue or weakness
•  Fluttering heartbeats
•  Severe indigestion (an antacid doesn’t help)

When a Warning Sign Occurs . . . Take Action!

•  Quickly dial 911 to get emergency help – don’t wait to see if the pain goes away
  
•  Unlock your door so emergency help can get inside if you are unconscious
  
•  If you can’t call 911, have someone drive you to a hospital immediately. Don’t drive yourself unless you have NO other choice.
  
•  Take an aspirin (IF you are NOT allergic to it or have another medical condition that might make this risky). Chew and swallow one adult aspirin or 4 children’s chewable aspirin.

Printable version of Warning Signs