Rutherford Regional Health System re-accredited as a Chest Pain Center 

Published 12:13 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2025

FOOTHILLS—The American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services recently recognized Rutherford Regional Health System for its demonstrated expertise in treating patients with chest pain. The hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Reaccreditation based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“Continuing our Chest Pain Center accreditation is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our clinical team, our community partners, and the ACC, who have been working collaboratively to ensure our hospital is prepared to provide high-quality care to patients when heart attacks strike,” said CEO Sudandra Ratnasamy. 

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.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have streamlined their systems from admission and evaluation to diagnosis and treatment, all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. These hospitals must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process 

Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

Submitted by Brianna Wilson