Lower Keys Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation

1/21/2025

Lower Keys Medical Center provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Lower Keys Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Lower Keys Medical Center was again awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in January 2025 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.

“Lower Keys Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the lower Florida Keys with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Lower Keys 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.

Sal Perla, Dr.PH, interim CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “Chest Pain Center accreditation is an important component of our cardiology program, which includes our cardiac catheterization services with 24/7 coverage for patients experiencing heart attack (STEMI). Maintaining this accreditation – which is reviewed every three years – is a testament to our team’s focus on remaining diligent in following best practices and striving to provide consistent, high quality care for our cardiac patients.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Lower Keys 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.

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