WASHINGTON — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sentara Health for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain, awarding the Chest Pain Center Accreditation in 2024, Sentara announced.
The award was the result of rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack, according to Sentara.
Sentara said it treats about 1,400 heart attacks each year. Eight of the twelve Sentara hospitals treating heart attacks received accreditation, including Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center in Williamsburg.
“Sentara Health is proud to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for our dedication to providing top-tier cardiac care,” said Ashford Denman, vice president of cardiac services at Sentara. “Through consistent research and an investment in the latest technologies, we are committed to ensuring timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and wholistic care to help patients recover and live healthier lives.”
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 that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms, Sentara said. 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.
“Sentara has demonstrated its commitment to providing Virginia 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 Sentara with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”
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.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Sentara 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.
