ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation designation signifies that the hospital provides the necessary care and resources to patients with heart attack symptoms. 

The American College of Cardiology has again recognized Bolivar Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Bolivar was awarded Chest Pain Center reaccreditation in November 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 designation 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.

“Bolivar Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Cleveland area 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 Bolivar Medical Center with Chest Pain Center reaccreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center accreditation and reaccreditation 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 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 and reaccreditation 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.

“This reaccreditation signifies our hospital’s commitment to pursuing best practices in the care of patients suffering from heart attack and heart attack symptoms,” said Jimmy Young, CEO of Bolivar Medical Center. “Every 40 seconds, someone in America suffers a heart attack, and every second matters in diagnosing and treating such cardiac events. As an ACE chest pain-accredited hospital, you can count on our team to be ready and able to provide exceptional heart care when patients need it most.”

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

A part of ScionHealth®, Bolivar Medical Center (BMC) is a 164-bed, acute-care general hospital ‒ accredited by The Joint Commission ‒ that offers a full complement of medical and surgical services. BMC’s Emergency Department is a level 4 trauma center, and wait times are available on the website. The hospital also offers a wide array of outpatient services and includes a 35-bed nursing home, 12 swing beds, and 12 geropsychology beds. You can learn more about Bolivar Medical Center at www.bolivarmedical.com.

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards, and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.