A publication of Maria Parham Medical Center and The Daily Dispatch
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SUMMER, 2014
Heart attacks have beginnings
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aria Parham Medical Center is working towards becoming an accredited chest pain center. The accreditation process, developed by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, evaluates chest pain centers nationwide to ensure they are providing the highest quality of care for patients experiencing chest pain. Maria Parham is committed to providing our community the highest quality of care and education available. Maria Parham Medical Center wants everyone to know the early heart attack symptoms not only for themselves, but for those around who may be experiencing symptoms, and to be able to help them obtain immediate emergency treatment. Remember, people may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms: • Pain that travels down one or both arms • Chest pain, squeezing or discomfort • Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen
• Jaw, neck or back pain • Nausea or Vomiting • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • Anxiety • Dizziness • Sweating If you or someone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Also, people may experience mild chest symptoms, such as pressure, burning, aching or tightness. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe. Women are more likely to experience symptoms other than chest pain. They have a greater tendency to have pain just under the breastbone, or complain of abdominal pain, indigestion, difficulty breathing and unexplained fatigue. Take the EHAC oath and become deputized at deputyheartattack.org For more information about early heart attack care, go to deputyheartattack.org or call Maria Parham’s chest pain center coordinator at (252) 436-6124.