Pressure and heaviness in the chest, spreading to the arm, shoulder or jaw. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Rapid or uneven heartbeat. Dizziness. Swelling in the lower legs.
These may be signs of a heart attack. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, even if they go away, the first thing to do is dial 9-1-1.
This call sets in motion the emergency personnel and clinicians with the skills and treatments necessary to save a life. Time is vital. According to the American Heart Association, starting treatment within the first hour of a cardiac-related problem - heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke - gives patients the most options for treatment and the best chances for recovery.
Every day, Lawrence General's physicians, nurses, and other clinicians re-define excellence in cardiac care. From the Emergency Department's expertise at rapid assessment and treatment using the latest clot-busting drugs, to the advanced care provided by our two inpatient units devoted to cardiac cases, we are the region's largest provider of cardiac care services. The Hospital's role in the heart-health of the community extends beyond our walls, with the on-scene response of our Advanced Life Support teams, and the education and outreach programs that help patients identify their risks for heart disease and help manage their existing conditions through education and lifestyle management.
In the most sudden and extreme cases, cardiac treatment at Lawrence General begins in the Emergency Department, with support available from the Hospital's two Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic teams. On scene, ALS provides critical information for the ED physicians to begin their assessment, and the paramedics' advanced certifications enable them to administer medications as directed while en route to the Hospital.
With its highly skilled physicians, and nurses trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, the ED staff can rapidly assess a patient's condition and initiate the best course of treatment. At their disposal are the latest thrombolytic (clot-busting) medications, as well as state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to establish the patient's condition and begin treatment. Lawrence General's experienced staff can administer these lifesaving medications well within the national target of 30 minutes from the time the patient arrives, often in as little as 17 minutes.
The patient may be stabilized and prepared for transfer to a tertiary facility for more advanced surgery or care, or be admitted onto Russell-5, housing Lawrence General's two inpatient cardiac units. The staff provides both highly intensive treatments for patients following a heart attack or stroke and more moderate care as they heal, but continue to require around the clock heart monitoring.
Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
- For patients needing cardiac-related intensive care.
- New unit opened in September 1998, after $3.5 million renovation.
- Individual patient bays.
- Central nurses station allowing direct access to each patient bay.
- Staffed by experienced critical care nurses.
- 24-hour advanced monitoring and state-of the art technology.
Comprehensive Cardiac Care (CCC)/ Telemetry
- For patients whose condition has improved enough to leave CCU, but who still require cardiac-specific care.
- 24-hour telemetric observation, monitoring for potentially dangerous changes to their heart, such as arrhythmia.
- Enables patients to ambulate while being monitored.
- Portable pager units displaying patient heartbeat and vital signs allow staff to provide individual bedside care while still observing other patients.
Lawrence General provides a range of diagnostic services for emergency, inpatient and outpatient testing. These provide cardiologists and other physicians the information they need to accurately diagnose and treat each patient's condition.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
A record of the electrical impulses produced by your heart as it beats. An irregular EKG may indicate the presence of coronary artery disease or arrhythmia (an abnormal beating of the heart).
Exercise Tolerance Testing (Stress EKG)
This is an EKG test performed while you exercise, to record the heartís response to gradually increasing strenuous activity. Your blood pressure and pulse are monitored during the test, and the Hospitalís computerized testing equipment provides accurate and easy to understand results.
Echocardiography
Used to evaluate the real-time behavior of your heart under normal conditions, and is similar to ultrasound testing for pregnant women.
High frequency sound waves sent through your chest are processed into moving 2-D image of your heart.
Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) creates similar images, using an ultrasound probe placed in the esophagus.
The images show the movement and flow of blood through your heart, as well as potential clots or blockages.
Cardiac Catheterization (Angiography)
Merrimack Valley Cardiac Catheterization Service provides catheterization services to Lawrence General Hospital.
Cardiac catheterization is a non-invasive surgical procedure that helps cardiologists identify blockages in the heart's surrounding arteries, tests the heart's pumping action, and the function of its valves. The procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.
Cardiac catheterization is performed by a cardiologist with special training in the procedure. A catheter (thin tube) is inserted through the groin into the femoral artery, and advances slowly to the heart. Using X-ray imaging, contrast dye is injected into the arteries and other areas, while a series of X-ray images documents the heart as it beats. On the X-rays, the dye will indicate any blockages or abnormalities, as well as show the heart's ability to move blood through the body. After all the images have been taken, the catheter is removed, and you will be brought to a recovery area.
Other Testing
In addition to these services, the Lawrence General Medical Staff can utilize the resources of the Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, and Radiology departments, to perform additional cardiovascular testing on an individual patient basis. Tests available include 3-D Nuclear SPECT imaging, pulmonary angiography (to test for blood clots in the lung) and Spiral CT Scans.
The Heart Depot
Lawrence General Hospital's Heart Depot strives to improve heart health awareness in the Merrimack Valley, providing important information on education, screenings, and healthy lifestyles during the year. Efforts include:
The staff offers outreach events to educate community members at health events and fairs, during seminars for private companies, as well as in everyday locations such as supermarkets and shopping malls.
By teaching those in the community to control critical health factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and tobacco dependency, The Heart Depot hopes to reduce the impact of coronary artery and heart diseases in the community.
Take Charge of Your Heart
Congestive Heart Failure Education Program
Take Charge of Your Heart focuses on educating and helping patients build strategies to face the challenges and health problems associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). A multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including dieticians, critical care nurses, respiratory therapists, and cardiologists explores ways to help patients manage their condition and adjust their lifestyle to cope with this chronic illness.
The program addresses many areas of importance to those suffering from or at risk for developing CHF, including management and consideration of:
Take Charge of Your Heart also holds outreach events at area assisted living facilities, health fairs, and at area supermarkets.