Saint Mary's Receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Saint Mary’s for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Saint Mary's was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in March based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing 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 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. 

Percutaneous coronary intervention (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. 

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. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. 

“Saint Mary's has demonstrated its commitment to providing the River Valley 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 Saint Mary's with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.” 

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI 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. 

“This accreditation reflects the incredible work of our physicians, nurses, EMS partners and entire care team who are committed to acting quickly when every second matters,” said Casey Willis, chief executive officer of Saint Mary’s. “Heart attack symptoms can be frightening, and this recognition reassures our community that when they come to Saint Mary’s, they can expect timely, high‑quality, lifesaving heart care close to home.” 

Saint Mary’s offers a full range of cardiology services, including 24/7 emergency cardiac care, interventional cardiology and a dedicated Chest Pain Center designed to rapidly identify and treat patients experiencing heart attack symptoms. Through a team‑based approach and evidence‑based protocols, Saint Mary’s is committed to improving heart health outcomes and delivering compassionate care to the communities it serves. 

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Saint Mary’s 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.