“DOOR TO BALLOON”?

STEMI stands for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction. It is a very serious type of heart attack where the coronary artery is completely blocked.

Rapid cardiac intervention (e.g. opening the blockage using a balloon catheter and/or implanted stent) is the most effective treatment for saving the heart muscle and often saving a life.

Health professionals actually measure the time starting from when the patient arrives in the Emergency Department, to the time when the blockage is opened. It is known as “door-toballoon” or “door to reperfusion” time.

Every minute counts when working to save heart muscle and possibly even a life. A cath lab for Surrey means better, faster treatments that will save lives.