Washington Regional Earns National Recognition for Role in Severe Heart Attack Care
Washington Regional has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Regional Recognition award for its commitment to offering swift and evidence-based care to people across the region experiencing the most severe heart attacks. The Mission: Lifeline Regional achievement award is earned by hospitals and agencies that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association.
Every year, more than 250,000 people experience a critical and time-sensitive type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI heart attacks are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart, and they require timely treatment. Rapid restoration of blood flow by either mechanically opening the blocked vessel or using clot-busting medication is essential to prevent death and permanent heart damage.
Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association's national initiative to enhance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive medical conditions, including severe heart attacks. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt heart attack interventions – from the initial 911 call and EMS transport through hospital treatment and discharge.
Delivering optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination across the entire care continuum, made up of individual hospitals, EMS agencies and the broader health care system. The American Heart Association recognizes Washington Regional Medical Center as a participant in the awarded Mission: Lifeline Arkansas region.
“This achievement recognizes Washington Regional Medical Center and Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute’s commitment to providing nationally recognized cardiac care to Northwest Arkansas,” said Dr. Zubair Ahmed, Washington Regional’s medical director of interventional cardiology. “With the region’s largest team of cardiovascular professionals and the most comprehensive cardiac care in the region, Washington Regional is proud to collaborate with EMS agencies and supporting area health systems to deliver the best care possible to each patient who experiences a heart attack.”