Chest pain should never be ignored. Remember: when in doubt, get checked out.
The Chest Pain Center at the Emergency Department at Central Maine Medical Center provides a faster, higher level of care to patients with heart attack symptoms. Our physicians are trained to deliver specialized care during the early stages of a cardiac event — when treatment is critical to saving lives and preserving heart muscle. We’re also able to monitor patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack, ensuring that they’re not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital.
Our proven process includes:
Step 1: Intake
When a patient enters the Chest Pain Center, our emergency physicians treat them as potential cardiac patients until a proper diagnosis is made.
Step 2: Assessment
The patient is set up on a cardiac monitor, with oxygen administered as a precaution. Intravenous lines may be started so life-saving drugs can be administered quickly if needed.
Step 3: Testing
Diagnostic testing helps our specialists reduce the time needed to determine the cause of the patient’s chest pain.
Step 4: Making a Treatment Plan
Once the patient’s condition is stable, the emergency physician may consult with one or more of our board-certified cardiologists for possible follow-up.
For more information, call the Chest Pain Center at (207) 795-2200.