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

Crestwood was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation. (PCI or percutaneous coronary intervention also is known as coronary angioplasty.) The commendation is based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“Our team has worked hard to streamline our processes to make sure that we are providing appropriate treatment for patients as quickly as possible, ” Crestwood Director of Emergency Services Rhonda Buckley said. “Time is muscle. The quicker we can open blood vessels to oxygenate the heart, the better the outcome — not only saving a life but also improving the quality of life after a cardiac event.”

More than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 can include 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 credentials have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year.

“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation on Crestwood Medical Center,” ACC Accreditation Services Vice President Abraham Joseph said. “We commend Crestwood for its demonstrated commitment to providing the North Alabama area with excellent cardiac care.”

Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria. The hospitals have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly lead to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

For information about Crestwood, visit crestwoodmedcenter.com. For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org.