Heart Attack Care

When every second counts, you can count on the Heart & Lung Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to provide life-saving heart attack care.

We are the only provider in southeastern New Jersey to offer 24/7/365 emergency catheterization with angioplasty and/or stent placement to halt a heart attack in progress. And, through seamless coordination between our emergency physicians and paramedics at the scene, we’ve dramatically reduced the time to treatment – saving many more lives along the way.

Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Around 85% of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack, so acting fast, when you first notice symptoms, is very important.

• Chest pain or discomfort, like pressure, squeezing, burning, aching or tightness
• Sweating or lightheadedness
• Pain that travels down your arm(s)
• Fatigue and/or anxiety
• Feeling of fullness
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms for women can vary from those in men, and may be harder to recognize, including jaw and back pain, as well as nausea and other flu-like symptoms. And, while more than half of patients experience warning signs, heart attacks can also strike without notice.

The good news? 80 percent of heart-related events can be prevented when you know and control your risk factors. Start with this quick and simple online heart assessment.

The Region’s Only Designated STEMI Center

Trust the Heart & Lung Institute at ARMC to provide the emergency care you need – from ambulance transport to advanced treatment – for even the most serious type of heart attack, known as STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). Our ER receives EKG results sent wirelessly from paramedics on the way to the hospital, providing the vital data our physicians need to make a diagnosis. We’re also New Jersey’s leader in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, so you won't have to be transferred to another state, or even to another hospital, to receive this life-saving care.

Cardiac Catheterization and Rhythm Center

Accessible dedicated Cardiac Catheterization and Rhythm Center combines the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, including three catheterization labs for lightning-fast treatment. In fact, our door-to-balloon times – the time between the patient’s arrival at the Emergency Department and opening the blocked artery – are often below the gold national standard of 90 minutes.

Comprehensive Care After a Heart Attack

Our highly trained emergency staff and cardiologists provide stabilization following a heart attack and treatment. With our cardiac rehabilitation program, we also have a team of experienced therapists to help you get your life back to normal.