Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville honored for heart care quality

Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville was recently honored for its implementation of specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer heart attacks. The hospital garnered the Mission Lifetime Achievement Award by meeting specific criteria and standard of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

That criteria includes: providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for at least one consecutive 90-day interval.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction which is the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment.

“Every day, our goal is to provide the highest quality and most compassionate care to our patients, so we are pleased the American Heart Association has recognized Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville with a Mission: Lifeline award for our care of patients who have suffered severe heart attacks,” said Dr. Jose G. Loyo, cardiologist at NMC-Bentonville.

The hospital is an affiliate of Springdale-based Northwest Health.