Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, a satellite of Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in the Northwest Valley, is now the only hospital in the western United States to hold American College of Cardiology accreditation for treatment of four specialties — chest pain, cardiac catheterization, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, according to a news release.

Becoming the only hospital west of the Mississippi River that is accredited in all four specialties adds to the hospital’s legacy of quality medical care, the release said.

Accreditation recognizes high performing and complex cardiovascular service lines and provides unbiased benchmarks for hospital standards of clinical performance, according to the American College of Cardiology.

Chest Pain Center Accreditation recognizes hospital cardiovascular teams that are focused on the efficient and effective care of acute coronary syndrome, or heart attack, patients.

Cardiac Catheterization Accreditation recognizes the hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions through minimally invasive methods.

Heart Failure Accreditation recognizes the hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat conditions in which a weakened heart fails to adequately provide oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s cells,

Atrial Fibrillation Accreditation recognizes the hospital’s ability to treat a condition known as AFib, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

Dr. Timothy Byrne, medical director of Cardiovascular Services, said Abrazo is committed to helping patients and their loved ones understand the risks associated with heart disease so they can seize control of their health.

“The American College of Cardiology accreditations provide a foundation within the hospital for excellence and quality outcomes. Improving documentation and mandating best practices is what creates centers of excellence. We are proud of the designations in each of our four centers,” he said.

Cardiovascular care continues to march forward, with new research, diagnosis, treatment and procedures that are helping patients live longer and better. The accreditations from the American College of Cardiology show a commitment to providing excellent care through evidence-based practice and continuous process improvement, Abrazo Cardiovascular Services Director Tammy Querrey said.

“Accreditations provide a strong framework for our facilities. This structure has improved the care we deliver to our patients and families, and has facilitated transitioning them home with the resources necessary to be successful in continuing their care well beyond the hospital walls,” Ms. Querrey said. “Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals have gathered together to treat our patients holistically from the time they arrive to after discharge. It’s truly our display of a community built on care.”

Jeff Patterson, chief executive officer of Abrazo Arrowhead Campus and Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, said Abrazo has a history of delivering care for some of the most complex heart and vascular conditions.

“It is our intent to help Arizonans prevent and manage the risks associated with the disease,” he said.