Cardiology

Cardiology services provided by Northern Nevada Health System focus on disorders and issues with the heart and circulatory system. Our heart specialists can diagnose and treat many conditions of the cardiovascular system including:

• Heart attacks
• Coronary heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Blood clots
• Other cardiovascular diseases and issues

Heart Attack Care

It is important to be aware of risk factors and the symptoms for a heart attack. The Chest Pain Center at Northern Nevada Medical Center is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care for its ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients who may be having a heart attack. Accreditation signifies that the Chest Pain Center, has demonstrated that it has effective processes in place to:

• Reduce the time it takes for patients to progress from the onset of symptoms to the time they receive diagnosis and treatment
• Treat patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can best be preserved
• Monitor patients when it is not certain if they are having a heart attack, to help ensure that they are not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital

The Emergency Services at McCarran NW and NNMC are both available for patients who may be concerned due to shortness of breath, chest pains and other symptoms that may require emergency heart care.

Cardiovascular Awards

Our commitment to improving the quality of our cardiology programs and services is reflected in our recognition and achievements.

Northern Nevada Medical Center has been awarded multiple Cardiology awards and accreditations. An accredited Chest Pain Center, NNMC has enhanced the quality of care it provides for cardiac patients and demonstrated a commitment to higher standards.

Additionally, NNMC received the Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Gold Receiving and Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI Silver Quality Achievement Awards for 2020 from the American Heart Association® for their efforts to improve the quality of their heart attack care by meeting rigorous standards.

In 2018, NNMC was one of 203 hospitals to receive the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, signifying commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Recognizing the signs of a possible heart attack could save you or a loved one’s life if you seek medical attention immediately. Remember that in a cardiac emergency, minutes matter. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• An out of the ordinary pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of the chest. It could last a few minutes or stop and then start once again intermittently
• Pain or discomfort in your shoulders, arms, neck or jaw. Back pain is common in women, as well
• Shortness of breath without cause (more likely in women)
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Turning pale and experiencing a cold sweat
• Nausea, dizziness and vomiting associated with stomach pain or discomfort
• Anxiety, fatigue or weakness without cause

Leading up to a heart attack, you may notice these symptoms after physical activity:

• Unusual fatigue
• Feeling that your heart is beating too fast or skipping a beat, known as palpitations
• Struggling to breathe, also known as dyspnea
• Chest pain that is more severe or prolonged

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