The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. High Point Medical Center was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in 2021 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 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.
“This accreditation attests to the hard work and commitment from our physicians, nurses, cath lab staff, and administration in providing state-of-the-art care to our patients suffering from a heart attack and requiring emergency cardiac procedures. It’s a true team approach” said Barry Cheek, M.D., cath lab director at High Point Medical Center’s Congdon Heart and Vascular Center. “We are proud to continue providing excellent timely care and great outcomes for our patients throughout High Point and our surrounding communities.”
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.
“High Point Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing High Point and surrounding communities with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award High Point Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
About High Point Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Health – High Point Medical Center (www.wakehealth.edu/HighPoint) is a 351-bed hospital in High Point, North Carolina, that serves the residents of High Point and surrounding areas. High Point Medical Center is part of Wake Forest Baptist Health, a preeminent academic medical center, and offers patients direct access to Wake Forest Baptist’s medical experts and other resources. High Point Medical Center provides a wide range of patient- and family-centered care and has six specialty service areas: The Congdon Heart and Vascular Center, Hayworth Cancer Center, The Neuroscience Center, The Esther R. Culp Women’s Center, The Emergency Center and The Piedmont Joint Replacement Center.
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.
Media Contact
Adam Heller; aheller@wakehealth.edu; 336-414-2925