Transfer from Emergency Room to Hospital Room With a Heart Attack
Not everyone who goes to the emergency room with chest pain is admitted to the hospital. But if there is a reasonable chance that the pain is due to a heart attack or other serious condition, you will be admitted to the hospital.
The first 24 hours following a heart attack are usually spent in a coronary care unit (CCU) or an intensive care unit (ICU). There, skilled staff will continuously monitor your heart rhythm. A series of electrocardiograms and blood tests will be performed. Doctors will continue to watch you closely and give you medication as needed. Your doctor may suggest further tests.
If you remain stable after 24 hours in the CCU or ICU, you may be transferred to the "telemetry" floor of the hospital, where you will continue to receive care by a cardiac care team. Depending upon the severity of the heart attack and how quickly you received treatment, you may be able to go home within two to four days.