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Campus provides expert care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms.

The American College of Cardiology has recognized St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus (formerly Gnaden Huetten) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation recently 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 (CDC), 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.

“St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Carbon region with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, Chairman of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus 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.

Chief of Cardiology and Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus, Dr. William Markson states, “Keeping care close to home as well as providing the best of care remains important to all of us at St. Luke’s. I’m so proud that we were able to obtain this essential accreditation for our community. This reflects our continuing efforts in giving our patients the care that they deserve.”