KNOXVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – We’ve changed habits and actions to protect our health during the pandemic, but one thing still remains the same—we need to take quick action with a possible heart attack or stroke. Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely detection and treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase the damage to heart muscle or brain tissue.

“It’s important for members of our community to put their health first and to feel comfortable getting the care they need,” Dr. Stephen Teague said.

Tennova Healthcare has deep resources ready to support diagnosis and intervention in the event of heart attack or stroke. At Tennova Medical Group, patients have access to more than 30 cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and other heart specialists at multiple locations throughout East Tennessee. Plus, the health system offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular services, from advanced treatments and testing to research and rehabilitation. Additionally, Tennova’s comprehensive network of accredited stroke centers and chest pain centers support better outcomes for emergency care, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

“Our team stands ready to help and the sooner we can see a patient to assess their condition and intervene, the better,” said Stephen Teague, M.D., a cardiologist with Tennova Medical Group in LaFollette and Clinton. “LaFollette Medical Center has great resources to help patients and we’ve taken important precautions to enhance safety in light of the pandemic. Timely action and COVID-19 safety are top of mind at all times.”

Concern for safety during the pandemic has kept many people from seeking timely care and that can get in the way of timely treatment in an emergency. LaFollette Medical Center is actively working to maintain a safe place patients can get medical help whether for a medical emergency or routine care.

The hospital’s precautions include enhanced practices for infection prevention, restricted access to the facility, and furniture arrangement to support social distancing and patient flow. Caregivers practice infection prevention including wearing personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for each patient.

“It’s important for members of our community to put their health first and to feel comfortable getting the care they need,” Dr. Teague said. “We encourage our patients to always seek immediate emergency medical care for serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke to support the best possible outcome.”

Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance is the best action rather than trying to drive to the hospital yourself when you or someone you are with experiences heart attack or stroke symptoms. EMS crews are trained to care for patients experiencing heart attack and stroke, so you will get medical care sooner.

Signs of a possible heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and/or pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm or shoulder. Women also may feel nauseous, light-headed or unusually tired.

Symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F-A-S-T:

  • Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
  • Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb?
  • Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?
  • Time to call 9-1-1 – If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

If you need more information on your personal risk factors for heart disease, talk to your primary care physician. To schedule an appointment with a Tennova primary care physician or a heart specialist, call 855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit TennovaMedicalGroup.com. Same-day and telehealth appointments are available. For more information about the safety plan at LaFollette Medical Center and its affiliated clinics, click here. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/23/2021-2PM)

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