Faster Treatment for Better Outcomes

When it comes to treating heart attacks, every second counts. Studies show conclusively that the faster an attack is diagnosed and treated, the more heart muscle can be saved and the better the chances of survival.

That’s why Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital created the Cardiac Heart Alert Program in 2003—the first of its kind in DuPage County. Cardiac Alert is a streamlined diagnostic and treatment process involving emergency medical personnel and professional staff at Good Samaritan Hospital. This collaboration has resulted in one of the fastest "door to balloon" times in Illinois--the time from when a patient enters the doors of the emergency room until the heart attack is stopped with balloon angioplasty—treating heart attack patients in as little as 12 minutes after arrival.

Get the facts and compare at hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

Don’t Wait to Get Help!

Be prepared. If you or someone you know is having a heart attack:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
• Wait for emergency help to arrive. They can begin life-saving help on the way to the hospital which can increase chances of survival.

When to Call 911?

Many things can cause chest pain. Learn more about chest pain and when to call 911.