-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Maria Parham Health for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Maria Parham Health was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in December based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“Maria Parham Health has demonstrated its commitment to providing Henderson/Vance County with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Maria Parham Health with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. 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.

“As part of Duke Lifepoint Maria Parham is proud to offer “A” level care to the region and chest pain accreditation is one part of our commitment to evidenced based medicine and delivering the highest quality care possible within our offered services,” stated Bert Beard, Maria Parham Health CEO. “We appreciate our entire care team and affiliated providers for leading the way in this effort.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Maria Parham Health access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

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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.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.