ECRMC Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation

ECRMC provides necessary care, and resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

November 17, 2022 —The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized ECRMC for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC)was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in October based on rigorous evaluations of the organization’s ability to timely 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 sweats, 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 identifying and 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.

“ECRMC has demonstrated its commitment to providing Imperial 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 ECRMC 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.

“This accreditation demonstrates the hard work, professionalism, and commitment of our team. From our physicians, nurses and staff” said Nicole Amidon, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer-Outpatient for ECRMC. The engagement from our multi-disciplinary team was outstanding; it reflects the team’s focus and dedication to delivering excellent care to our community.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like ECRMC 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 El Centro Regional Medical Center

El Centro Regional Medical Center is an acute care medical center, serving the healthcare needs of the Imperial Valley since 1956. In addition to a 161 bed hospital facility, ECRMC also owns and operates a state-of-the-art Medical Office Building housing the Oncology Hematology Center, Wound Healing Center, Outpatient Imaging services, as well as numerous specialty clinics. Off campus facilities include two outpatient clinics in El Centro and Calexico and a Community Education Center located at the Imperial Valley Mall. ECRMC provides comprehensive healthcare services for residents seeking enhanced well-being and improved quality of life.

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.