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 consistently ranks in the top 1 percent in the nation for heart attack survival. Our heart attack survival rate is high 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 fifth largest heart program in Pennsylvania. Lehigh Valley Hospital is also cited as a "high performer" in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
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 six major U.S. heart centers collaborating to produce data about the use of therapeutic hypothermia. This leading-edge technology 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.
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Follow-up Care
After you receive treatment, we’ll remain by your side. We offer these services to ensure your optimal health:
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Heart-to-Heart Cardiac Support Group
- Heart Help for Women
- Home Care
- Nutrition Services
This page last updated 11/22/11 10:40 AM


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