The Importance of Timely Care: Know the Signs and Symptoms

5/13/2020

If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain that may be a heart attack or stroke symptoms, getting care timely will support the best possible outcome.

The latest campaign by the American Heart Association (AHA) – Be Certain In Uncertain Times – reinforces the critical need to secure treatment as soon as possible. The AHA is working to remind everyone that heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests don’t stop for COVID-19.

Getting fast medical treatment could be the difference between life and death and Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville asks everyone to pay attention to the signs of a health emergency and act quickly. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Heart Attack

• Chest discomfort.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
• Shortness of breath.
• Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
• Women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain. Some women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Remember to act F.A.S.T. for Stroke

• Face drooping; Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
• Arm weakness; Is one arm weak or numb?
• Speech difficulty; Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?
• Time to call 9-1-1; If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Cardiac Arrest

• Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.
• Within seconds a person becomes unresponsive, is not breathing or is only gasping.
• Survival depends on getting immediate CPR.

“It is important to schedule healthcare procedures that have been delayed so health conditions do not deteriorate,” said Dr. David Price, Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville Chief of Staff. “We also want to remind the community that heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms are always urgent and that it is safe – and necessary – to seek immediate help in an emergency department for those and other life-threatening conditions.”

Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville is taking extra precautions to keep the hospital clean and safe for patients and caregivers. Safety remains the hospital’s highest priority and it has taken action to enhance infection prevention, restrict access to the facility and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment for patients who need medical care. Cleaning and disinfection are emphasized in caregiving areas and throughout the facility, including high-touch items like door handles, elevator buttons, tables and chairs.

This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.

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