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Chest Pain Program

Using a proven assessment protocol, the Chest Pain Program reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and ensures that patients undergo appropriate investigation prior to discharge from the Emergency Department (ED)

Diagnostic imagingPatients who present to the Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain can be assessed by specialists at the Chest Pain Program. 

The Chest Pain Program is facilitated by nurse practitioners (graduate-level, advanced practice nurse), who are legislated to order diagnostic testing, interpret results, and to prescribe certain medications. The program's nurse practitioners coordinate efforts between ED physicians and cardiologists. Besides conducting the patient's assessment and managing diagnostic testing, nurse practitioners also consult with cardiologists on a plan for further testing or treatment and provides the patient's family or attending physician with recommendations on further needs. Depending on the patient's test results and risk, he/she may not be seen personally by a cardiologist.

Currently, the Chest Pain Program is located at the University of Alberta Hospital but will move to the heart institute later this year.

Referral Information
Adult patients are referred to the Chest Pain Program through the ED. Emergency physicians contact the program's nurse practitioners with a referral.

Mail for the Chest Pain Program may be sent to:
Chest Pain Program
Attention: Nurse Practitioner
2C2.14, Walter C. Mackenzie Centre
8440 - 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2B7

Parking
Public parking is available at metered, underground, surface, and parkade lots on site. For information on hourly, weekly, and monthly parking, as well as locations, please see the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute information sheet.

About chest pain
Angina pectoris (angina) is a recurring discomfort, ache or pain which can be experienced anywhere from the waist up. Angina is often referred to as chest pain. Many people can and do experience chest pain, but angina signs and symptoms can also be felt in different areas other than the chest.

It's important to remember that not all angina is painful and not all chest pain is angina.
Angina signs and symptoms can be experienced in the chest area, both arms, neck and/or jaw (wither side of the neck, jaw, or both sides at the same time), between the shoulder blades or abdomen.

Where can I find more information?
Capital Health and other organizations support online resources on angina and heart health.  These resources should be used as a general guideline only. Individual assessment, interpretations, and advice by your cardiologist should always be your most important resource.

For more information, please see:

 

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