Inspira Health Network

A letter from the chair of Cardiology has decreased during the past 10 years, partly due to advances in testing and new treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preventing death from coronary heart disease. At South Jersey Healthcare, we are fortunate to have one of the region's most experienced teams of cardiologists on our medical staff. These community-based heart specialists diagnose and treat a wide array of cardiac issues every day. Our nationally recognized critical care units; state-of-the- art cardiovascular testing, including cardiac catheterization; Fortunately, the death rate from coronary heart disease the arteries that supply blood to the heart, remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It accounts for more than one-third of all deaths in our country. Although most people with coronary heart disease have at least one risk factor, some do not. Coronary heart disease, or blockages in the diagnosis and treatment of chest pain as well as management of heart attacks and heart failure. In 2011, cardiologists at SJH performed 1,500 stress tests, 6,000 echocardiograms, and 400 cardiac catheterizations. A list of cardiologists who provide services at SJH's hospitals can be found on page 3. and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation continue to distinguish South Jersey Healthcare's Cardiology Services. If you or someone you know is concerned about coronary heart disease, see your primary care physician or cardiologist. You might also want to consider attending an upcoming free SJH heart risk assessment. Visit www.SJHealthcare.net to learn more. SJH is a regional leader for innovative programs in Take good care of your heart, Kris Rainear, D.O. Chair, Cardiology Section SJH Medical Staff ER Nurse: Don't Ignore the Symptoms (and Risk Factors) of Heart Disease age 59. I suffered a year's worth of extreme fatigue. "It must be my exceptionally busy and stressful lifestyle, Of course I knew better. My dad died of a heart attack at " I thought. And for 20 critical minutes last September 17, I delayed calling 911. I knew it might be a heart attack, but I wasn't 100 percent sure. I took an aspirin, but waited those 20 minutes. Although the aspirin probably saved my life, those 20 minutes resulted in "extra" permanent heart damage that could have been avoided. I'm fortunate; I survived a significant heart attack and was able to return to my job as a health care quality manager in about three months. Yet, I could have Awareness Fitness Diet saved my family and myself untold fear and anxiety had I had gone to my doctor to address the long-term fatigue I was experiencing. Or, if I had just called 911 immediately upon the onset of my symptoms, my recovery would have been quicker and more complete. As an experienced ER nurse, I was well aware that anyone can have a heart attack. I knew about the risk factors, both family history and lifestyle. I understood how to reduce my risk. I quit smoking six years ago and had exercised regularly during most of my adult life. I also knew that women often don't exhibit the classic heart attack symptoms that men experience. I urge you to become familiar with the symptoms of heart disease and of a heart attack. Get regular checkups and address any concerns you might have with your doctor. And if you suspect that you or a loved one might be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately — time is muscle. — Becky DelFava Read more about Becky DelFava's story on pages 3 and 4 in this issue of Family & Friends. Look for these icons — Awareness, Fitness and Diet — throughout the issue 2 SPRING 2012 SJH Family & Friends

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