Chest Pain Program

Chest Pain Program at Swedish Medical Center

Helping Treat Chest Pain Quickly to Save Muscle...Heart Muscle!

One of the most common reasons for a trip to the Emergency Department is chest pain. It is important to call 9-1-1 at the first sign of chest pain because "time is muscle... heart muscle!"

The Low-Risk Cardiac Program

In many Emergency Departments (ED), patients with unexplained chest pain are admitted for observation, monitoring and a stress test. This process typically takes 18-24 hours and involves an overnight stay in the hospital.

At the Swedish Southwest ER, a cardiac stress test can be performed on site. These tests are administered during specific time periods each day. While sometimes a brief waiting period is required, most patients are discharged in less than 8 hours. This assessment is used only when initial tests rule out that a heart attack is causing a patient's chest pain and/or other symptoms.

If your physician determines that other forms of stress test are required, such as an excercise thallium stress test or a PET/CT, you will be transferred to Swedish's main hospital campus in Englewood.