The American College of Cardiology has recognized Cayuga Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain.

Cayuga Medical Center, a member of Cayuga Health, was recently awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“When patients come to us with heart attack symptoms, regardless of day or night, at any time they can feel assured that we can provide the care they need,” stated Dr. Martin Stallone, President and CEO of Cayuga Health.  “Accreditation by the American College of Cardiology is a credit to the dedicated staff of the Cayuga Heart and Vascular Center and all the departments that support them.”

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.

“We are very proud to have earned this high level of accreditation, as it speaks to the excellent level of care that we offer day and night, and we are the only hospital in this region to achieve this level of accreditation” says Amit K. Singh, MD Medical Director, Cayuga Heart & Vascular Center.  “What’s most important to know is that, if you are having chest pain or heart attack symptoms, don’t wait.  Call 911 to come to Cayuga Medical Center and allow our highly trained, expert and compassionate team to give you the care you need.”

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation 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 comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“Cayuga Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Tompkins and neighboring counties 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 Cayuga Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation 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 Cayuga 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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steve Savage
Assistant Vice President, Communications
Cayuga Health
(607) 274-4498, [email protected]

Katie Glenn
American College of Cardiology
(202) 375-6472, [email protected]

ABOUT CAYUGA HEALTH

Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center, and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates, and a network of over 400 providers with Cayuga Health Partners.  Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,500 employees serving multiple counties throughout Central New York and the Finger Lakes Region. Visit www.cayugahealth.org for more information.

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.