Heart attack and stroke symptoms are a message telling you to go to the hospital. Unfortunately, some people are ignoring their symptoms because they are worried they might contract COVID-19.

“It’s an understandable, but unnecessary fear,” says Jeffrey Winacott, MBA, RN, Administrative Director of Saratoga Hospital’s Cardiovascular Service Line. “As a medical facility, Saratoga Hospital maintains the highest levels of infection control, well beyond what’s required in non-medical facilities, and we’ve been doing so for decades. Our Heart Health Program provides advanced diagnosis and comprehensive, expert cardiac care. It is important to take advantage of us, especially during this crisis.”

If you have a heart condition or other chronic concerns, you have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Having an underlying health condition makes recovery from this virus more challenging. That is why it is especially critical that you keep up your regular doctor visits and come to the hospital if you are experiencing warning symptoms. 

If it would make you more comfortable, ask your doctor for a virtual appointment, using our new Telehealth services. Telehealth technology allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers face-to-face via smart phone, tablet, or computer without leaving home. For emergencies, however, call 911 or go to the closest hospital’s emergency room.  

Heart Attack Symptoms
If you are experiencing chest pain; difficulty breathing; discomfort in chest, arms, back, neck, shoulder or jaw, don’t wait! Call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately. 

Stroke Symptoms
If you are experiencing numbness, weakness or loss of movement in your face, leg or arm, especially on one side, or have confusion, trouble speaking, trouble understanding, and loss of balance, don’t wait!   Call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately.

Keep in mind, it is safe to come to the hospital because: 

• Infectious patients are safely quarantined apart from non-infectious patients;
• We take the temperature and screen every single person who steps foot in the hospital;
• We go further and test every single patient for COVID-19, safely separating those who must be quarantined;
• We do not allow visitors; and 
• We have a well-trained, highly professional environmental services team keeping the hospital clean.

Our Cardiovascular team and Emergency Department are ready for you when you need us. Your health is our number one concern. Please do not delay your medical care. The consequences can be devastating if you do. Learn more about heart disease and symptoms here, and visit us at Saratoga Hospital.