Chest Pain Center Receives ACC Re-Accreditation

CHESAPEAKE, Va. –  After a successful survey, the American College of Cardiology has recognized Chesapeake Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Chesapeake Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) in August based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

PCI 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.

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 are 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 that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional skill in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available every day of the year.

“Chesapeake Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the southside 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 Chesapeake Regional with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Chesapeake Regional Medical Center 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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