You At Your Best

Walker Heart institute: Comprehensive care for your heart SPeCial To NWa DemoCraT-GazeTTe Washington Regional's Walker Heart Institute provides comprehensive care for your heart. It features: • 10 board-certified cardiologists, 4 cardiovascular surgeons, and more than 300 heart health professionals • 60 bed cardiology unit currently undergoing expansion • Intensivist program staffed by full-time pulmonology specialists • NWA's only electrophysiology program – offers advanced treatment for atrial fibrillation, Micra™ Transcatheter Pacemaker, and WATCHMAN™Left Atrial Appendage Closure • Complex ultrasound guided peripheral vascular limb salvage intervention • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who need valve replacement • Specialized services – Vein, Heart Failure, Valve and Lipid Clinics • Comprehensive cardiac and pulmonary outpatient rehabilitation services For more information about Walker Heart Institute services and locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, visit walkerheart.org. SPeCial To NWa DemoCraT-GazeTTe To prevent damage from a heart attack, it's important to recognize symptoms at the beginning of a heart attack. According to the American College of Cardiology, 85 percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack, when symptoms may be very subtle. "Heart attacks have a beginning, so it's important to learn the early signs of heart attack and seek treatment immediately by calling 911," advises Dr. Zubair Ahmed, board- certified cardiologist at Washington Regional's Walker Heart Institute Cardiovascular Clinic. "Most people recognize severe chest tightness or left-arm pain as heart attack symptoms, but there are also some subtle early signs of an impending heart attack," says Dr. Ahmed. Early symptoms and signs that a heart attack is about to occur include: Nausea Feeling of fullness Shortness of breath Back pain Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort Anxiety Fatigue Jaw pain Pain that travels down one or both arms Mild chest pressure, burning, aching or tightness - symptoms that may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe "For about half of people experiencing these symptoms, the heart attack can actually be prevented with early treatment," says Dr. Ahmed. "If you or anyone around you is experiencing early heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away," Dr. Ahmed advises. "Driving yourself to the hospital when having these symptoms is not only dangerous for you, but can be dangerous for others and could possibly result in an auto accident." Plus, he explains, emergency medical services providers are equipped with knowledge and technology that can ensure the most timely treatment for a heart attack patient. "By communicating directly with EMS personnel and having important tests performed during transport to the hospital, Washington Regional has been able to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to get treatment started. Time saved is heart muscle saved," says Dr. Ahmed. Washington Regional ensures that patients who arrive at the hospital complaining of chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack receive the treatment necessary during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved. know when to call 911: Early heart attack care can prevent heart damage zubair ahmed, mD it's important to learn the early signs of heart attack and seek treatment immediately by calling 911. SATURdAY, JAnUARY 26, 2019 | FEBRUARY - ThE hEART iSSUE nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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