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I am a lifelong resident of DeRidder, and recently I experienced a frightening medical emergency. I began to feel severe pain in my chest, and my family rushed me to Beauregard Health System. It was quickly determined that I was having a heart attack.

From the moment we arrived, the staff at BHS jumped into action without wasting a minute. The care I received, from the ED to the cath lab to the ICU, was nothing short of superb. The on-call cath lab staff were there within minutes, and Dr. Tolleson immediately performed a heart catheterization procedure to find the blockage. He was then able to open the blocked artery using a stent and restore complete blood flow to my heart.

Dr. Tolleson explained to me that "time is heart muscle" and that the first 90 minutes of a heart attack are critical to prevent damage to the heart. Amazingly, just 82 minutes after my arrival, Dr. Tolleson and the cath lab staff had the blocked artery open with a stent and blood flow restored. It was truly incredible!

I am so grateful that we have this lifesaving service right here in our rural community. I am certain that the swift action of the staff and Dr. Tolleson saved my life. Heart attacks don't keep business hours, and I am a true example of that!

Thank you, BHS, for your outstanding care and for being there when I needed you the most. Your dedication and professionalism have made a lasting impact on my life and my family's lives.

Heart Attack: Know the Signs

A heart attack strikes someone every 40 seconds in the U.S. If it happens to you, getting help right away is key to recovery. That's why it's important to know the signs of a heart attack. Men and women can experience heart attack symptoms differently. Many of the symptoms overlap, but not all.

Symptoms for men and women

• Chest pain. The classic heart attack symptom is pain coming from the left side of your chest.
• Arm pain. This can be in either of the arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest pain.
• Feeling weak. This can come with light-headedness, fainting, or breaking out into a cold sweat.
• Jaw, neck, or back pain. Don't write off other upper body pain. It can signal a heart attack too.

Symptoms for women

• Unexplained tiredness. This heart attack symptom is common for women and easy to overlook.
• Nausea or vomiting. Don't assume it's something you ate or that you caught a bug.
• Back pain. This can show up as upper back discomfort. It's not always a stabbing pain. In women, it can feel like squeezing, pressure, or fullness.
• Other body pain. Discomfort in the lower chest, stomach, jaw, or neck can all signal a heart attack.

If you think you're having a heart attack, getting care immediately is crucial. If you experience any of the symptoms, call 911. Getting care quickly can reduce damage to the heart.

Categories: Heart health