Valentine's Day isn't the only time to be concerned
with affairs of the heart. taking care of the ol' ticker should be a top priority all year long. But it can be a challenge in today's hectic world, where everyone seems to be constantly on the run.
Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and stress are major contributors to heart attacks and other malfunctions of the cardiovascular system.
it's important everyone becomes pro-active in taking care of their hearts by learning about disease prevention, as well as the latest advances in emergency treatments, said Deborah Keasler, director of cardiac services at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona.
One groundbreaking new method is the steMi system, which is being utilized at PVHMC and also at San Antonio Community Hosptial in Upland.
These facilities also offer classes and
seminars in heart-attack prevention
and overall heart care.
We talked with health-care professionals in the heart centers at both hospitals, and also at the American Heart Association, which has a CPR Anytime personal learning program that has helped save hundreds of lives across the country.
STEMI system Among the various types of heart attacks is an ST elevation myocardial infarction, also known as STEMI. These attacks are caused by a clot, or a series of clots, in one or more of the coronary arteries and require treatment within 90 minutes.
Quick response and special expertise
are crucial in order to save the patient and
preserve as much of the heart muscle as
possible. If a STEMI is diagnosed,
paramedics are required to transport
the victim to a specially designated
STEMI Receiving Center (SRC). Both
Pomona Valley and San Antonio are
designated as SRCs.
When a STEMI patient arrives at SACH,
physicians, nurses and clinicians in the
hospital's Emergency Department and
heart center's Cardiac Catheterization Lab
immediately begin treatment.
The procedure includes placing an
inflatable coronary stent in the patient's
blocked artery. The stent is then inflated,
enabling blood to flow freely to the heart
muscle again.
Prior to the SRC program, patients were
routed to the nearest emergency room,
regardless of the level of cardiac services
available. The SRC program now ensures
that patients receive the benefit of treatment
by qualified STEMI experts.
"One of the primary reasons the hospital received this designation is because of our proven outstanding door-to-balloon times in treating STEMI patients. This is due to the expertise, streamlined processes, and teamwork between our emergency department, cardiac cath lab and our cardiologists. For patients, this means they can be assured of rapid cardiac intervention from the moment they reach our emergency department — not only saving as much of their heart muscle as possible, but perhaps even saving their life."
B. Don Ahn, MD
Medical director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Co-director, STEMI Receiving Center San Antonio Community Hospital
"Statistics from the American Heart Association show that more women die of cardiovascular disease than men. And women's symptoms present themselves very differently and can be easily ignored. We are committed to raising awareness among women in our community about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heart disease through classes, newsletters and other outreach programs."
Deborah Keasler, RN
Director of Cardiac Services, STEAD Heart and Vascular Center
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
"Our designation as a STEMI receiving center is a real advantage to area residents, and should bring them great comfort. They can now be assured that if they are having a STEMI heart attack, they won't be automatically taken to a hospital that may not have the capabilities to properly treat this kind of heart attack. If within 30 minutes by ambulance of SACH, they will be taken to SACH, where we have been designated by ICEMA and San Bernardino County as providing the kind of specialized cardiac care necessary for these types of events. There is strict criteria to qualify to be designated a STEMI Receiving Center and everyone at SACH is so proud of this achievement because it will truly benefit our patients."
Lynn Hill, RN
Administrative director, The Heart Center San Antonio Community Hospital
Healthy heart tips
• Know your cardiac risk factors.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Maintain a healthy diet, making sure to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Get annual physicals.
• Stay active and get plenty of exercise.
• Watch your cholesterol intake.
Source: Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
STEMI-authorized hospitals
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
1798 N. Garey Ave., Pomona;
909-865-9500
San Antonio Community Hospital
999 San Bernardino Road, Upland;
909-985-2811
St. Bernardine Medical Center
2101 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino;
909-883-8711
St. Mary Medical Center
18122 US Highway 18, Apple Valley;
760-946-5920 Source: American Heart Association
True lifesavers
By LUANNE J. HUNT
Lon MitcheLL is a lucky man.
Last november, the 72-year-old nearly died when he suffered a heart attack at his colton print shop. one of Mitchell's co-workers ran for help to the American heart Association office nearby.
Kathryn White, Luz Robles and Jamie Lamb came to Mitchell's rescue.
While waiting for paramedics, they immediately administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, doing chest compressions and then giving breaths. their efforts were successful in keeping Mitchell alive long enough for paramedics to take him to the hospital, where he underwent bypass surgery for massive blockages in his heart arteries.
"those were the angels that saved my life, and I don't have the words to thank them enough for what they did for me," said Mitchell, who is on his way to a full recovery. "I wasn't conscious or aware, but you know when you're going, and I was going. Without those good folks, I know for sure that I wouldn't be here today."
White, Robles and Lamb don't consider themselves to be heroes, and were just happy to help.
They also are grateful for what they learned from CPR Anytime — a heart Association training kit that makes learning core CPR skills convenient, affordable and fun for the whole family. it takes 22 minutes to go through the kit, which includes an inflatable mannequin, CPR Anytime skills practice DVD and other accessories.
"I am definitely privileged to work for an organization that's so involved with helping the community learn CPR through certifications, training centers, and our CPR Anytime product that allows people to learn CPR at home," Robles said. "But the truth is, I never thought i'd need to use it myself. I'm so grateful that when that life-or-death moment arrived, we were ready."
To purchase CPR Anytime ($34.95), which does not provide a certification for CPR, visit www.americanheart.org.
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