ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 2, 1994                   TAG: 9408020086
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TAKE NOTE

Residents of Southwest Virginia seek medical attention for heart attack symptoms more quickly than in the past, according to a recent study by the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. The independent study - conducted for HeartNet of the Virginias in late 1993 - found people who experience heart attack symptoms respond one hour and 15 minutes sooner than subjects in a similar study in early 1993.

This earlier response time is significant since clot dissolving drugs are most effective when administered promptly, giving the patient a better chance to survive and return to a normal life. It also puts Southwest Virginia 30 minutes below the national average of five hours and 10 minutes.

The difference in response time is due in part to a HeartNet community education program, Early Response. This program, led by cardiac clinical professionals, is designed to increase the chances of surviving a heart attack.

"The Early Response program is developed to educate the public, providing information about the early warning signs of a heart attack and, most importantly, motivating people to act at the onset of those symptoms," said Gay Jamison, R.N., HeartNet Clinical Coordinator.

HeartNet of the Virginias is a group of hospitals and physicians dedicated to making excellent cardiac care more accessible. There are 12 hospitals in the group that share technological resources and services. Local HeartNet hospitals include:

Giles Memorial Hospital; Radford Community Hospital; Roanoke Memorial Regional Heart Center and Wythe County Community Hospital.

If your club, church, or school group would like to schedule a free Early Response seminar, or if you would like more information about classes in your area, call (800) 422-8482. 


 by CNB