Conway Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation
CMC provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms
The American College of Cardiology has recognized Conway Medical Center (CMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. CMC was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. CMC is the only hospital in Horry and Georgetown counties to earn this ACC accreditation.
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.
“Conway Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Horry County with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Conway 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.
“CMC is proud to further solidify our commitment to providing top-notch cardiac care to the people of Horry County and beyond,” said Dr. Paul Richardson, CMC Chief Medical Officer. “Two years ago, CMC became a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, and we recently expanded our cardiac catheterization lab services. This accreditation is one more step in our mission to save lives.”
“There is a saying in cardiac care that time is muscle. When it comes to heart attacks, recognizing the symptoms and quickly following a plan for treatment is key,” said Dr. Stephen Brady, CMC Director of Cardiology. “To earn this accreditation, our staff proved they are ready and trained to treat patients with heart attack symptoms.”
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Conway 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.
