Local hospitals commit to higher standard for cardiac-care patients

Heart attacks can happen anytime, anyplace and to anyone. And when they do, every minute matters.

In November, Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology.

To earn this designation, Harris and Swain worked with community partners to enhance coordination among everyone involved in a patient's care ? from first responders to the hospital emergency department team, critical care staff and cardiac rehab.

As accredited Chest Pain Centers, Harris and Swain have committed to a higher standard of care for emergency cardiac services, continual improvement in heart care, and providing the community education and resources to help keep hearts healthy.

The warning signs of heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, responsible for one in four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It doesn't have to be. Through education and early treatment, heart disease can be successfully treated and, in many cases, even prevented.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing the warning signs and symptoms people may experience before a heart attack:

Chest pain or discomfort

Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach

Shortness of breath

Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats

While these are the primary signs of heart attack in adults, women can often experience less common signs and symptoms, such as:

Sharp, burning chest pain

Fluttering in the chest (also known as arrhythmia)

Pain in the neck, jaw, abdomen or throat

Upper back pain

Indigestion or heartburn

Nausea or vomiting

Extreme fatigue

Upper body discomfort

Shortness of breath

Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen.