AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has earned the prestigious Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke SilverPlus quality achievement award from the American Heart Association. This recognition highlights the hospital's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional stroke care, ensuring that patients receive timely, research-based treatments that improve outcomes, save lives, and reduce disability.
Commitment to Outstanding Stroke Care
Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and a significant cause of disability in the U.S. It occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain is blocked or ruptures, leading to brain cell death. Early detection and treatment of strokes are essential to improving survival rates and speeding up recovery. AdventHealth Heart of Florida is committed to providing the best possible stroke care, making a significant difference in patient recovery and quality of life.
Polk County’s stroke death rate was higher than Florida’s average in 2022, with approximately 54 deaths per 100,000 people. This makes the availability of quality stroke care even more important in the region, where timely medical intervention can save lives.
“Every second counts when treating a stroke patient,” said Tim Clark, President and CEO of AdventHealth Polk Market. “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing whole-person care, ensuring more patients have a chance at a healthier life.”
The Get With The Guidelines program, a collaboration between the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, helps hospitals follow proven, evidence-based guidelines for stroke care. Hospitals like AdventHealth Heart of Florida that participate in this program aim to reduce stroke-related complications and improve recovery outcomes.
Dr. Steven Messe, M.D., from the American Heart Association, commended AdventHealth Heart of Florida for its commitment to quality stroke care. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines consistently achieve better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and reduced mortality,” he stated.
Health professionals recommend using the BE FAST acronym to identify potential stroke symptoms:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance
- Eyes: Vision problems
- Face: Uneven smile
- Arms: Weakness in one arm
- Speech: Slurred speech
- Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately if any symptoms appear.
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