Missoula, Mont. — Community Medical Center in Missoula has received national recognition for its stroke care, giving people in Missoula and nearby communities access to a certified primary stroke center close to home.
The hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for advanced certification as a primary stroke care center. The recognition followed years of work and required the hospital to meet strict national standards for fast treatment and 24-hour stroke team access.
Dr. Lockhart explained what people should watch for when it comes to stroke risk.
“Things to watch out for are if you have an irregular heart rhythm, including atrial fibrillation, you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, early history of stroke in your family, blood clotting history,” said Dr. Lockhart of Community Medical Center.
Dr. Lockhart also addressed how stroke rates in Montana compare with other places.
“On par with certain states that have an aging population and have high stroke rates. We have great high quality cardiology care in the state. And so a lot of people are on preventive therapy, but we still have the stroke is the leading cause of death in Montana,” said Dr. Lockhart.
Community Medical Center also offered what it described as the region’s top inpatient rehabilitation center, allowing stroke patients to get intensive recovery services without leaving the facility.