Ponca City, OK, 4/15/2021 – We’ve changed habits and actions to protect our health during the pandemic, but one thing still remains the same – we need to take quick action with a possible heart attack or stroke. Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely detection and treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase the damage to heart muscle or brain tissue.

AllianceHealth Ponca City has deep resources ready to support diagnosis and intervention in the event of heart attack or stroke. AHPC is an accredited Chest Pain Center through the American College of Cardiology, is certified in Acute Stroke Readiness by The Joint Commission, and is has a Level 3 Stroke Designation from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“I cannot overstate the importance of receiving prompt care for cardiovascular events,” said Cardiovascular Disease Specialist, Dr. Michael Schiff. “Patients who are experiencing symptoms of heart attack or stroke need to be treated within a very brief window of time.”

Concern for safety during the pandemic has kept many people from seeking medical help and that can get in the way of timely treatment in an emergency. AllianceHealth Ponca City is actively working to maintain a safe place patients can get medical help whether for a medical emergency or routine care.

The hospital’s precautions include enhanced practices for infection prevention, restricted access to the facility, and furniture arrangement to support social distancing and patient flow. Caregivers practice infection prevention including wearing personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for each patient. Care for any COVID-19 positive patients is in a separate, designated unit.

“We’ve been faced with a terrible pandemic in COVID-19, but let’s not forget to take care of our overall health, particularly our hearts,” said cardiologist, Dr. Joseph Lemlek. “If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, light headedness – please seek emergency treatment. We care for our patients and are ready to help.”

Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance is the best action rather than trying to drive to the hospital yourself when you or someone you are with experiences heart attack or stroke symptoms. EMS crews are trained to care for patients experiencing heart attack and stroke, so you’ll get medical care sooner.

Signs of a possible heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and/or pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm or shoulder. Women also may feel nauseous, light-headed or unusually tired.

Symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F-A-S-T:

• 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 911 - If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

If you need more information on your personal risk factors for heart disease, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, or call (580) 765-3321 to be connected with one of AllianceHealth Ponca City’s qualified providers.