Lower Keys Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation

Lower Keys Medical Center provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

November 16, 2021 — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Lower Keys Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Lower Keys Medical Center was again awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in November 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.

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. 

“Lower Keys Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the lower Florida Keys 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 Lower Keys Medical Center with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

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.

David Clay, CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “Chest Pain Center accreditation is an important part of our overall focus on providing necessary cardiac care close to home for members of our community.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Lower Keys Medical Center 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. 

About Lower Keys Medical Center

Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care hospital serving the lower Florida Keys. The hospital is accredited by: The Joint Commission; The Joint Commission/American Heart Association as a Primary Stroke Center; and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography. Visit LKMC.com. 

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.

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