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Dameron is a certified cardiac

care hospital that is always

ready when you need us.

Dameron Hospital offers a

full-range of excellent cardiac

care services:

Your heart

is in good

hands

HEART PROBLEMS

Watch for the

warning signs

Cardiac

catheterization lab

For people who have

coronary artery disease,

doctors may use a procedure

called angioplasty to open

arteries narrowed or blocked

by plaque—a waxy substance

that can build up in artery

walls and reduce blood flow

to the heart. Angioplasty can

restore blood flow, which can

relieve a type of chest pain

called angina and also help

prevent a heart attack.

IF

you live with angina or heart failure or if you’re recovering from heart surgery, it pays

to be cautious. No matter how good you feel now, it’s important to recognize potential

problems as they arise.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below—they

could mean your condition is getting worse or that you’re at high risk for a heart attack.

Angina.

Changes in the pattern of your

angina could spell trouble. Watch out for

pain that is longer-lasting or more frequent

or severe than usual. Report pain that

occurs without exertion and that doesn’t

go away with rest or medicine.

Heart failure.

If symptoms that were once

controlled return or you suddenly have a

new symptom, it’s time to call your doctor.

Warning signs include:

Sudden weight gain. Ask your doctor

how often to weigh yourself and when

to report weight changes.

Shortness of breath not related to

exercise or exertion.

More-than-usual leg or ankle swelling.

Swelling or pain in the abdomen.

Trouble sleeping or shortness of breath

when you wake up.

A frequent, dry, hacking cough.

Increased fatigue or constant tiredness.

Chest pain.

After heart surgery.

Call a doctor

promptly if you:

Have trouble breathing or have chest

pain, weakness or an irregular heartbeat.

Feel down or have the blues for more

than a few days.

Notice side effects after starting a new

heart medication.

Tell your doctor about any new

prescription you’ve been given for a

condition other than heart disease. Your

doctor can tell you whether it’s safe to take

with your heart medicine.

Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart,

Lung, and Blood Institute

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HEALTH OUTLOOK