How does the emergency department and cath lab work together for cardiac patients?

The emergency department staff is specially trained to care for patients with acute chest pain and uses evidence-based clinical processes that are proven to improve care for heart attack and heart failure patients. They work in close consultation with the cath lab when a patient is a good candidate for cardiac catheterization. For very sick patients, prompt transport for open heart surgery is important.

Remember, immediate emergency medical attention is essential for heart attack patients. The signs of heart attack can be subtle so don’t wait until you are certain it’s a heart attack. With any sign of chest discomfort or any possible symptom of heart attack, call 911 immediately. The American Heart Association at www.heart.org has a wealth of information about heart attack symptoms as well as other heart conditions and ideas for keeping your heart healthy.