Princeton, W.Va. (WVVA) – February has been declared Heart Month, a time dedicated to emphasizing the importance of heart health. A perfect backdrop to showcase a new technology that can save lives during a heart attack is the WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital.
The Impella ventricular support system has quietly been introduced to the region by the hospital last year. However, Dr. Stephen Ward claims that this technology has already helped save the lives of several people suffering from severe heart attacks. Dr. Ward explains that the device is inserted through the femoral artery and uses a small motor to pump blood from the left ventricle of the heart.
“This device can effectively replace about 4/5 of the normal blood flow through the heart. That’s why people in cardiogenic shock, with very low blood pressure and a malfunctioning heart, can be kept alive during interventions with the help of this device,” said Dr. Ward.
Dr. Ward adds that most people who experience a heart attack do not need this device. Many heart problems can be solved through the implantation of stents or the expansion of arteries using a balloon, but sometimes these interventions are simply not enough, and that’s where Impella comes to the rescue.
“By employing these methods, we can help people in cardiogenic shock. Sometimes mechanical heart issues require support until the patient is able to sustain their own blood pressure,” Dr. Ward added.
Dr. Ward emphasizes the importance of people understanding the symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms include fatigue and dizziness. But one symptom is undeniable.
“Typically, it is a sharp pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, usually exacerbated during exertion, occurring suddenly, but sometimes experienced intermittently, intensifying,” Dr. Ward explains.
Dr. Ward advises that if you suspect you are having a heart attack, you should not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Instead, call an ambulance, as they can often transmit electrocardiographic data to hospitals and administer medications helpful in such situations. Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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