In honor of American Heart Month, Salem Hospital is inviting the public in to explore the Cardiac Catheterization Lab for a community STEMI night.

STEMI stands for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, which is a life-threatening type of heart attack that occurs when a coronary artery is blocked and blood flow to the heart is limited.

This will be an opportunity for interested community members and previous patients to ask staff and an interventional cardiologist questions, look at equipment and participate in a case review using a high-definition mannequin that’s hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG).

A look behind the scenes

“We open it up for the night to bring people in to show them what it would be like if you had a heart attack,” said Cardiac Care Coordinator Kelsey Truong. This is a rare glimpse “behind the scenes” where visitors are not usually allowed, she said.

This comes as the nation as well as Salem Hospital is witnessing a rise in heart disease and increasing demand for interventional cardiology procedures.

“We have so many people who come through the cath lab for emergencies and non-emergencies. If you’re connected to your health and know what’s going on behind the scenes, then you’re more invested,” Truong said. “We want to draw attention to that real emergency component. The rest of heart month is focused on prevention, but if you can’t prevent everything, then what happens?”

Improving patient outcomes

Nancy Leach is the manager of the Interventional Recovery Unit and Cath Lab. She says often, people wait too long to come in with symptoms. Instead of calling 9-1-1, they drive themselves or go with a loved one. By the time they arrive, life-saving measures are needed.

“When patients call 9-1-1, we have on average almost a 15-minute difference in the time of when they reach the hospital to when care begins,” Leach said. “We want to help people realize that treatment starts when the ambulance arrives, and time saves the heart muscle.”

Leach said she’s optimistic this STEMI night can improve patient outcomes.

“Unless they’ve been to the cath lab, they’re not aware of the advanced technology and treatment options,” she said.

Truong said her team also hopes to increase awareness of the care available at Salem Hospital.

 “You shouldn’t have to leave the community to receive care. You should be able to stay near your loved ones,” she said. “We want to bring awareness to your own heart health and also what we have here in our own community.”

How to sign up

This event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Salem Hospital on the second floor of building A. Meet near the surgical check in desk — a staff member will escort attendees back as a group. Pre-registration is required.