You At Your Best

Washington Regional's Walker Heart Institute provides comprehensive heart and vascular care. Walker Heart Institute offers: • The largest team of cardiovascular experts in Northwest Arkansas including 10 cardiologists, 4 cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons and more than 300 cardiovascular-health professionals • 60-bed cardiology unit • NWA's only electrophysiology program – offers treatments including WATCHMANTM, cardiac ablation, pacemakers and defibrillators • Minimally-invasive procedures including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Impella® and OCT for heart catheterizations • Specialized clinics including heart failure, lipid, valve and vein For more information about Walker Heart Institute services and locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, visit walkerheart.org. Walker Heart Institute: ComPleTe CaRDIovasCulaR CaRe SponSor Content 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. David Churchill, 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. Churchill. 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. Churchill. "If you or anyone around you is experiencing early heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away," Dr. Churchill 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. Churchill. Washington Regional ensure 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. Go to walkerheart.org to learn more about heart health or the Walker Heart Institute. Know when to call 911 Early heart attack care can prevent heart damage Dr. David Churchill SATURdAY, JAnUARY 25, 2020 | FEBRUARY - HAppY HEART nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 9

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