Care for Heart Attack

If you’re having a heart attack (myocardial infarction), U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "Hospital Compare" data shows that Lehigh Valley Hospital has the second best heart attack survival rate in the nation, as reported by USA TODAY.  

We have the nation's second best best heart attack survival rate because you receive care fast. The faster you get care, the less damage is done to your heart. That’s why it’s so important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing them. The symptoms include:

• Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than a few minutes
• Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Cold sweats
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

Our fast heart attack care program (MI Alert for Heart Attacks) saves lives and limits the amount of damage done to your heart. We educated area paramedics and EMTs to diagnose heart attacks in the field. If you’re having a heart attack, they will start treatment immediately and call ahead to our ER to ensure we’re ready when you arrive. When you arrive, a procedure performed in our cardiac catheterization lab (angioplasty) can open your blocked arteries within 90 minutes, the "gold standard" for heart attack care.

If our heart team determines you need bypass surgery, you’ll be in the right place. We are the third largest heart program in Pennsylvania.

If you live outside the Lehigh Valley, we still can help. We’ve partnered with hospitals in Hazleton, Lehighton, Palmerton, Pottsville, Sellersville and Ashland. Our experienced MedEvac helicopter flight crew, along with local ambulance crews, ensure people experiencing heart attack symptoms in these communities get to our hospital as soon as possible.

When you call 9-1-1, be clear and direct. Say, “I think I’m having a heart attack.” Then, chew and swallow an aspirin. Remember, if you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait! Call 9-1-1 to get to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s ER for fast heart attack care.

If a serious heart attack stops the heart from sending oxygen to the brain, we can provide lifesaving care. We are one of the first hospitals in the nation to use body-cooling technology called Arctic Sun. It lowers the body’s core temperature to 91 degrees, slowing metabolism and preventing dangerous swelling, giving you a better chance to heal.

To learn how we created one of the nation's best hospitals for heart attack care, click here.

Follow-up Care

After you receive treatment, we’ll remain by your side. We offer these services to ensure your optimal health: 

This page last updated 7/27/10 11:31 AM