The American College of Cardiology has recognized Central Florida Regional Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Central Florida Regional Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in December 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.

"ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation on Central Florida Regional Hospital," said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. "We commend Central Florida Regional Hospital for its demonstrated commitment to providing patients from Seminole and west Volusia Counties with excellent cardiac care."

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.

"We are proud of our team at Central Florida Regional Hospital for earning this designation, which reflects our commitment to excellent cardiac care," said Wendy Brandon, CEO of Central Florida Regional Hospital.

Central Florida Regional Hospital provides 24/7 comprehensive emergency care and the only full-service cardiovascular program in Seminole and west Volusia counties, including open heart surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation and comprehensive diagnostic services.

The ACC and American Heart Association are collaborating to offer U.S. hospitals like Central Florida Regional Hospital access to a comprehensive suite of co-branded 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.