St. Luke's Chest Pain Centers

A proud member of the Society of Chest Pain Centers and Providers

Why a Chest Pain Center?

Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care at a hospital emergency department. That is why St. Luke’s has established a Chest Pain Center at both its Boise and Meridian hospitals. Our Chest Pain Centers aid cardiologists and emergency room physicians in determining if a patient’s chest pain is related to a heart disorder, or another problem.

Having a dedicated area for observation and monitoring of patients with chest pain prevents unnecessary hospitalizations for those who are not experiencing heart-related problems. It also allows for a more rapid diagnosis of the cause of the chest pain.

What to Expect

When you arrive at St. Luke’s Emergency Department in Boise or Meridian with heart-related symptoms, you will first be evaluated by the emergency department physician. Once it is determined that you are not having a heart attack, a decision will be made regarding your need for further follow-up or observation. If appropriate, you will be taken to the Chest Pain Center, a place where physicians and registered nurses closely observe patients for up to 24 hours in comfortable rooms separate from the hustle and bustle of the main emergency department.

After you have been settled in your room in the Chest Pain Center, the emergency department physician will continue to monitor results from testing that is provided. Information can be obtained from:

• Laboratory tests (blood draw)
• ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Nuclear cardiac scans

You will be monitored with state-of-the-art telemetry equipment that provides staff with your heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure. If approved by the physician, you will be given the opportunity to move about your room and hallway while being monitored.

During observation and monitoring, the emergency department physician will consult with your cardiologist or other primary care provider to plan the best course of treatment. If your condition so indicates, you may be admitted to the hospital for further care.

Education and Follow-up

During your stay in the Chest Pain Center, you will receive education on a variety of heart-related topics, such as risk factors for heart disease, healthy eating, and exercise in order to improve your heart health. If you are discharged to go home from the Chest Pain Center, staff and physicians will give you clear instructions regarding activities, medications and any other considerations relating to your medical condition.

All test results will be sent to your physician’s office, and you will be given instructions regarding follow-up with your cardiologist or other primary care physician.

How to Contact Us

Boise: (208) 381-2235
Meridian: (208) 706-1140

Questions?

If you have questions regarding heart-related symptoms, please call your physician or Call St. Luke’s at (208) 381-1200. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately