To recognize the commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients, McLeod Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, for the eighth consecutive year. McLeod is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide and one of seven hospitals in the state of South Carolina to receive this honor for 2025. To receive this award, MRMC has demonstrated and performed at the highest level for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) for specific performance measures.

“This award is a team effort involving medical providers, nurses, technicians, and EMS all working collectively in the care of heart attack patients,” said Dr. Alan Blaker, Executive Medical Director, McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute. “It is through their hard work and dedication that patients receive such excellent care. They are key to us achieving this award and I thank everyone for their important work.”

Recently, McLeod Regional Medical Center was also awarded re-accreditation of their Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology.

As an accredited center, McLeod is recognized for having a higher level of expertise in caring for patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack. Every three years, McLeod undergoes a re-accreditation process. This ensures that as new research becomes available, operations continue at the most current standards, with best practices, to care for cardiac patients. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.

“As an accredited Chest Pain Center, there are established protocols for patients experiencing heart attack symptoms, which reduces the time to treatment,” said Dr. Blaker. “Once medical evaluations in the Emergency Department are complete, the patient is then integrated into the services of the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute for continuum of care if needed.”