Lexington Medical Center has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention from the American College of Cardiology for its expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. 

The hospital earned this accreditation based on a rigorous evaluation of the ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. 

“We take immense pride in the care we provide to chest pain patients because every heartbeat matters,” said Alexander Remedios, MD, medical director of the Emergency department and Chest Pain Program. 

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. Women, however, 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. 

PCI is coronary intervention that includes angioplasty, thrombectomy and stenting. These nonsurgical procedures open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals that earn 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 hours a day, every day of the year. 

The process for accreditation includes completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, undergoing a rigorous review and monitoring for sustained success. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed stringent criteria and have a team of physicians, nurses, clinicians and other staff to support enhanced patient education and improved outcomes. 

Learn more about Lexington Medical Heart and Vascular Center.