AdventHealth Zephyrhills Gets Top Award for Treatment of Severe Heart Attacks

Zephyrhills, Florida…June 25, 2019… AdventHealth Zephyrhills has received the Mission: Lifeline^® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) for its treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks, also referred to as STEMIs. This is the highest award that the AHA gives for STEMI treatment.

According to the AHA, more than 250,000 people in the United States experience a STEMI annually, which is the most severe type of heart attack. A STEMI is caused when there’s a blockage of blood flow to the heart. To prevent death, it’s critical that the blockage is restored as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked heart vessel or by providing clot-busting medication, according to Debbie Moore, RN, Director of Cardiology Procedural at AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

“When someone thinks that they may be having a heart attack, every moment counts,” Moore said. “Call 911 immediately so that paramedics can begin proper treatment on the way to the nearest emergency room. Never drive yourself or attempt to drive someone who may be having a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke,” Moore said.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills saw more than 72 STEMI patients in 2018, according to Moore. This is an increase of 47 percent over 2017.

The AHA’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 911 call, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. The initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines.

“AdventHealth Zephyrhills earned this award by meeting specific criteria and performance standards for quick and appropriate treatment. This was done through emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients coming into our hospital,” said Gwen Alonso, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “We are dedicated to providing outstanding care for our heart attack patients and are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care through Mission: Lifeline.”

Moore recommends that one become acquainted with early signs and symptoms of heart attacks. These signs and symptoms include chest pressure, squeezing, aching or burning; a feeling of fullness; pain that travels down one or both arms; jaw pain; excessive fatigue; anxiety; nausea; back pain; and shortness of breath.

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About AdventHealth Zephyrhills

AdventHealth Zephyrhills is a member of the faith-based AdventHealth System, providing a connected system of care in nearly a dozen states with close to 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites. Since 1985, the hospital has provided award-winning care with a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. The hospital offers a wide variety of services to include heart care, orthopedics, women’s care, surgical care, a 24/7 emergency room and more. With a focus on whole-person care, skilled and compassionate caregivers provide individualized care for body, mind and spirit. To learn more about the hospital’s services, visit AdventHealthZephyrhills.com