The American College of Cardiology has recognized West Valley Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. West Valley was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation again this year 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.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. 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.
“West Valley has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Treasure Valley 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 West Valley Medical Center with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”
“We are exceptionally proud of the accreditation because it further illustrates our colleagues' commitment to providing the best care possible to every person who sets foot in our hospital,” said Lance Floyd, director of cardiology services. “West Valley may be a smaller community hospital but we are owned by HCA Healthcare which provides us access to the latest medical advancements for patients. This accreditation confirms we've integrated evidence-based science, quality initiatives, clinical best practices and the latest medical guidelines into our cardiovascular care. That equates to better outcomes for our patients.”
West Valley Medical Center Cardiology provides a full range of heart care diagnostics and treatment to get you back to living a normal, healthy life. The department recently opened a new, interventional radiology suite in order to provide even more services closer to home for patients. Along with the suite, West Valley houses a Cardiac Catheterization Lab where the team can provide diagnostic procedures, interventional procedures as well as electrophysiology. The hospital also has a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program and the team recently began helping patients recover from COVID-19.
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 West Valley 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.