Derry, NH – The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Parkland Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Parkland was awarded full Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Parkland is one of only two hospitals in New Hampshire designated as a full accreditation Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the other being another HCA facility - Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
“This accreditation is the direct result of the commitment from our local EMS personnel, emergency physicians and staff who provide the most advanced life-saving care to those who are experiencing a heart attack,” said Jeff Scionti, CEO of Parkland Medical Center. “We are very proud of this designation and would like to recognize all EMS personnel, emergency physicians, cardiologists, nurses and members of the Chest Pain Center team for their commitment to providing high quality, life-saving care 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.”
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. 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.
“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation on Parkland Medical Center,” said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. “We commend Parkland Medical Center for its demonstrated commitment to providing the greater Derry community with excellent cardiac care.”
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.