ST. JOSEPH — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Lakeland hospitals in Niles and St. Joseph for their demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process including a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack and monitoring for sustained success.

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.

“Both of our Niles and St. Joseph hospitals have been accredited since 2001, offering community members access to nationally-recognized heart care, right here in southwest Michigan,” said Bart Berndt, executive director of diagnostic services at the Heart Center. “As leaders in heart care, we have a dedicated team of first responders, doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff committed to providing the best course of treatment in less time, with the hopes of saving valuable heart muscle and helping people return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible.”

“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Chest Pain Center Accreditation on Lakeland Health,” said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. “We commend Lakeland for its demonstrated commitment to providing southwest Michigan residents with excellent cardiac care.”

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.