Don’t Delay Emergency Medical Care During this Pandemic

In recent weeks, there has been an increase in the number of people across the country who have delayed seeking immediate care for heart attacks and strokes because they were concerned about going to an emergency room. If you are experiencing serious symptoms that could be an indication of a heart attack or stroke, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 or seek care at our Emergency Department.

Our Emergency Department and Hospital are safe. We are taking extra precautions to ensure that you are safe including following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Our highly-trained Associates and Physicians are using appropriate personal protective equipment and we have enhanced our disinfection processes.

Delaying care for a heart attack or stroke may increase the severity of your condition and put your health at greater risk.

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

• Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body including pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath that can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Call 9-1-1 if you or someone with you shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away.

Stroke Warning Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.

• Balance: Sudden changes to your balance, dizziness, lightheadedness.
• Eyes: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision.
• Face: Where one side of the face droops or is numb. Ask the person to smile to observe whether the person's smile is uneven or lopsided.
• Arm: Weakness or numbness, ask the person to raise both arms to see whether one arm drifts downward.
• Speech: Slurred speech, unable to speak or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time: Call 911 immediately if you or your loved one experience any of the above-mentioned signs of a stroke.

Among all the hospitals in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, the Stead Heart & Vascular Center at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center has set itself apart for providing the most complete line of cardiovascular and stroke services in the region. For our work and our dedication to world-class treatment, the Joint Commission has granted us the Gold Seal of Approval™ as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Learn more about the Stead Heart and Vascular Center here.