Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital has been accredited by the nation's leading cardiovascular patient care society for its quick and effective practices with treating patients with symptoms of a heart attack.

Henry Ford Wyandotte is the only hospital Downriver to be named an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care because of its model for the care of acute coronary syndrome, or any condition brought on by sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.

“Through this accreditation, we have organized a system of care with the entire team that treats the patient from the time they begin to experience symptoms to their arrival at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and subsequent diagnosis and treatment,” said Syed Jafri, M.D, medical director of Non-Invasive Cardiology at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

The treatment starts from the time the patient develops chest pain and includes engagement of Emergency Dispatch Services, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Department, Catheterization Lab, observation unit/cardiac care unit and discharge from the facility, followed by cardiac rehabilitation, when needed.

“The warning signs of a heart attack aren’t always clear and can even begin as much as six months before the event,” said Mustafa Hashem, M.D, medical director of Interventional Cardiology at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. Symptoms may include chest pain or pressure; heartburn or indigestion; pain spreading into the shoulders, neck or arms; or shortness of breath.

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital was recently featured of the television series Minds of Medicine for the system used by phsycians to detect heart attacks before patients arrive at the hispital.