The American College of Cardiology has recognized Knox Community Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. Knox Community Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in December 2021 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 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.
“Knox Community Hospital seeks accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in order to provide better care, not only for our patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), but for our community as a whole. In achieving this accreditation, it has been a wonderful way to educate not only our community but our staff on EHAC better known as Early Heart Attack Care, and the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. In over 50% of heart attack cases they have beginnings with early warning signs, by educating our community they can identify these signs and symptoms and potentially save a life, maybe their own life,” said Amy Colopy Chest Pain Coordinator.
Cardiologist Barry George stated, “Achieving Chest Pain Accreditation is Prima-Facie evidence that we are a top-notch Heart and Vascular Center, and I would challenge any other hospital under 100 beds in the state of Ohio to have a more complete Heart and Vascular program.”
