When it comes to treating heart attacks, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a national leader in outcomes as measured by the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services. Barnes-Jewish achieves heart attack survival rates better than
the U.S.national rate along . Barnes-Jewish is among the ten percent of all hospitals in the nation have
achieved and sustained 100% in-time rate for patients receiving emergency
angioplasty or thrombolytics.
- The only Missouri hospital that has maintained a better
than
heart attack mortality rate since 2004.
- Achieved 100% in-time rate for patients receiving emergency angioplasty or thrombolytics
- In 2011, “door to balloon” times were less than 90 minutes
for 100% of patients.
- In 2011, Barnes-Jewish was among a select group of hospitals
the AHA recognized in the Mission: Lifeline program for at least 12 months of
85% or higher composite adherence to all elevated myocardial
infarction (STEMI) – the most serious of heart attacks) receiving center performance
achievement indicators and 75% or higher compliance on all STEMI receiving
quality measures to improve the quality of care for STEMI patients.
What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Each individual may experience symptoms differently; however, the following are the most common symptoms of a heart attack:
- Severe pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
- Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
- Chest pain that increases in intensity
- Chest pain that is not relieved by rest or by taking nitroglycerin
- Chest pain that occurs with any/all of the following (additional) symptoms:
- Sweating, cool, clammy skin, and/or paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
- Rapid or irregular pulse
Although chest pain is the key warning sign of a heart attack, it may be confused with indigestion, pleurisy, pneumonia, or other disorders. The symptoms of a heart attack may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Responding to Heart Attack Warning Signs
If you or someone you know exhibits any of the above warning signs, act immediately. Call 911, or your local emergency number.
To make an appointment or for help finding a heart or vascular specialist, request a call from a physician referral specialist or call 866-TOP-DOCS (866-867-3627).