The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Blessing Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Blessing Hospital has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI based on a recent onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
PCI stands for Percutaneous coronary intervention and is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Blessing Hospital has continuously held this national accreditation since 2005.
“In addition to our commitment to bring residents of the region the latest and highest quality heart care, and education and screenings to reduce the risk for heart disease, we are committed to making sure patients have access to it,” said Jeffrey Cook, MD, cardiologist, Blessing Physician Services, and Chest Pain accreditation physician champion.
“Our cardiologist spend hours on the road every week to hold patient clinics in communities including Memphis, Missouri; and Macomb, Pittsfield and Hancock County, Illinois, for example, to bring this level of care to patients where they live,” Dr. Cook concluded.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.
“Blessing Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing the tri-state area with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.