Frankfort Regional Medical Center

Spring/Summer 2015

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Evelyn Claffy has returned to doing the things she enjoys, including volunteering at the library. Evelyn Claffy, 75, of Frankfort, woke up in the middle of the night last November with chest pain that spread to her jaw and arm. She took an aspirin and went back to sleep for a few hours, but when she woke again and still felt the same pain, Evelyn had a good idea what was wrong. "Several years ago I went to the Emergency Department here in Frankfort with a strange feeling of pressure in my chest that also moved to my throat and neck," Evelyn says. "It turned out not to be a heart attack, I just had a blockage, so they sent me to Lexington to have a stent placed. Because I felt the same way this time, I knew I should go to the Emergency Department again." This time, however, she wasn't sent to Lexington—she could have her angioplasty done at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. WHEN MINUTES MATTER "It's important to open a blocked artery as quickly as possible to prevent further damage," says Marty Denny, MD, FACC, interventional cardiologist at Frankfort Regional. "When Evelyn came into the ER, we ran an electrocardiogram, and when that came back markedly abnormal, we did a heart catheterization. All results indicated that she had a critical blockage that needed to be treated immediately." Dr. Denny was able to open Evelyn's blocked artery by performing an angioplasty and inserting a stent. An angioplasty procedure uses a catheter to deliver a tiny balloon that is inflated to open an artery. A stent—a stainless steel mesh—is placed at the site of the blockage to keep the artery open and prevent future blockages. "I have high praise for how quickly the procedure was performed and for Dr. Denny and his skills," Evelyn says. "Dr. Denny was really interested in me as a patient, not just in the procedure. I'm very grateful to be able to get that kind of compassionate and lifesaving care here at home." Â To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call Consult-A-Nurse at 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). HOME IS WHERE THE HEART CARE IS Marty Denny, MD, FACC, Interventional Cardiologist The stereotypical heart attack symptom—sudden chest pain or discomfort—is familiar to many, but as heart attack symptoms manifest differently from person to person, it is important to know other warning signs to look for. • Abnormal fatigue • Cold sweats • Diarrhea • Feeling like your heart is skipping a beat, or beating too quickly • Nausea or vomiting • Shortness of breath • Upper-body pain or pressure in areas such as your jaw, shoulders, stomach, neck or arm Signs of Trouble Heart attack patients don't have to leave Frankfort for angioplasty, the lifesaving interventional cardiac procedure. Â If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 3

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