Heart Attack: What to Expect in the Emergency Room

What to Expect in the Emergency Department

The emergency department (ED) is the place where you will receive immediate care if you are experiencing a heart attack. The staff in the ED is trained to quickly assess your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment.

When you arrive at the ED, you will be:

* Quickly assessed by a triage nurse to determine the severity of your symptoms.

* Given an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm.

* Started on oxygen therapy if needed.

* Given pain medication to relieve any chest pain.

* Blood tests will be drawn to check for damage to your heart and to assess your overall health.

* You may be given a CT scan or other imaging test to get a better look at your heart.

If you are diagnosed with a heart attack, you will be admitted to the hospital and receive further treatment. Treatment may include:

* Medications to dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow to your heart.

* Angioplasty and stent placement to open up blocked arteries.

* Coronary artery bypass surgery to create new pathways for blood to flow to your heart.

Recovery from a heart attack can take several weeks or months. During this time, you will be closely monitored by your doctor and may need to take medication to manage your condition.

Preventing Heart Attacks

The best way to prevent a heart attack is to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting regular exercise

* Managing your blood pressure

* Controlling your cholesterol

* Quitting smoking

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Managing your stress

If you have any risk factors for heart attacks, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk.