New Resource for Heart Attacks

Mission Trail Baptist Hospital offers new cardiac catheterization services

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack. Approximately 790,000 Americans have a heart attack annually. Most heart attacks occur when a blood clot blocks one of the coronary arteries, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching the heart. When this happens, heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged.

Mission Trail Baptist Hospital is bringing new, state-of-the-art heart attack care to the south San Antonio, Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson counties with the opening of their new 24/7 heart attack program.

“In the treatment of heart attacks, the saying goes that ‘time is muscle’,” said Nick Bown, M.D., Medical Director of Mission Trail’s Emergency Department. “Quick interventional measures such as heart catheterization, to get blood flowing again through the heart, are critical.”

“Mission Trail is committed to getting heart attack patients fast care through exceptional coordination between first responders, Emergency Room and Catheterization Lab staff,” said Sandy Ethridge, Chief Operating Officer for Mission Trail Baptist Hospital. “ This new program means our neighbors to the south will have care that can keep them close to home.”

The hospital recently marked the launch of its heart attack program with an ice cream social for employees. In addition, Mission Trail kicked off its Heart Walk campaign with a visit from mascot “Hearty” who visited with employees, visitors and patients throughout the hospital.

A heart attack is an emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Indications of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, sweating or indigestion. If these symptoms occur, experts say call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay or try to drive yourself to the hospital.

Fortunately, there are steps that can decrease the risk of heart disease and heart attacks, including:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking or using other forms of tobacco
• Limiting alcohol use

Doctors say keeping an eye on your overall health can also make a difference. You can do this by checking your cholesterol, controlling your blood pressure and, if applicable, managing diabetes.