Laredo Medical Center Earns ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI
3/7/2025
Designation validates hospital’s ability to provide necessary care, resources for heart attack patients
LAREDO, Texas — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Laredo Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Laredo Medical Center was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in December based on a site review 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 800,000 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.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
“Laredo Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Laredo and Webb County 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 Laredo Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI 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.
Laredo Medical Center CEO Jorge Leal, FACHE, shared the hospital’s excitement about having once again earned the Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation, a designation continuously held by Laredo Medical Center since 2019.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our entire healthcare team – from our doctors and nurses to our clinicians and administrative staff. It reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of heart care to Laredo and surrounding communities,” said Leal. “This accreditation not only underscores our ability to deliver life-saving interventions during the most critical moments but also highlights the exceptional care that we continuously strive to offer. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients, and this designation is a reminder of the profound impact we have on the health and well-being of our community.”
Laredo Medical Center also is recognized by The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval© for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification confirms that Laredo Medical Center provides life-saving medications and treatment to stroke patients at a time when every second counts. Additionally, Laredo Medical Center received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Bronze quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. The hospital also is recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Level III trauma center with the ability to provide high-quality trauma care in a timely manner.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Laredo 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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