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Iberia Medical Center: Special Designation for Heart Attack Care

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Iberia Medical Center: Special Designation for Heart Attack Care

February 2, 2026

Iberia Medical Center has earned a special designation for heart attack care.  The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) recognizes Iberia Medical Center’s Main Campus as a STEMI Receiving Center, an elite designation for hospitals meeting or exceeding national guidelines for heart attack care.

 

What is a STEMI Heart Attack?

STEMI, or ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, is a serious heart attack caused by a lack of blood flow to large areas of the heart. Patients experiencing these critical types of heart attacks require immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow and minimize damage. As a designated STEMI Receiving Center Iberia Medical Center’s Main Campus is equipped to deliver potential lifesaving treatment by reopening blocked arteries within 90 minutes, meeting the national standard for STEMI care.

 

Importance of Designation

This lifesaving criteria ensures that patients experiencing chest pain or heart attacks receive the fastest, most effective treatment available. This designation means that Iberia Medical Center’s Main Campus can quickly assess, diagnose and provide interventional heart attack-related care, significantly improving outcomes. 

 

“This designation reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, timely emergency cardiac care to our community,” said Dionne Viator, CEO. “As one of a few hospitals in the region with this designation, our Main Campus team and life-saving technology is available 24/7. Fast response to heart attacks means we are saving lives.”

 

What is the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN)

The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) is an agency of state government created by the Louisiana Legislature in 2004 charged with the responsibility of developing and maintaining a statewide system of care coordination for patients suddenly stricken by serious traumatic injury or time-sensitive illness (such as heart attack and stroke). It is a system also designated to serve as a vital healthcare resource in the face of larger scale emergencies and natural disasters.

Pregnancy Fitness

Updated: Apr 17, 2024

Dedicated gym-goers may wonder how their workouts will change during pregnancy. While keeping a regular exercise routine when expecting is important for staying fit, you will have to make some adjustments to accommodate your changing body.


Your doctor may advise you to avoid lifting heavy objects, but do not worry - there are many ways to modify your workouts. You want to protect your growing bump, after all!


Many trainers recommend strength training.


During pregnancy, the muscles that meet in the middle of your stomach stretch to create space for a growing uterus. Diastasis recti (DR) is common in pregnancies. This is when the rectus abdominis separates.





DR can also be caused by incorrect heavy lifting or performing unsafe or excessive abdominal exercises. This includes moves that require you to lie on your belly after the first trimester.


While expecting, the placenta produces a hormone called relaxin, which loosens your joints and ligaments in preparation for delivery. Its purpose is to relax the uterus while making your abdominal muscled more flexible.


Regular exercise can help you to cope with the physical changes of pregnancy and help you to feel your best during this special time. Always listen to your body and ask your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.


For more information: Dr Damian Delhomme, OB/Gyn 337.256.8779


Content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for personal professional medical advice or personal consultation with healthcare professionals.

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