Chest Pain Center
The Chest Pain Center at Tacoma General Hospital is one of only two facilities in Washington to be nationally accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The center is designed to provide diagnosis and treatment within the "Golden Hour" after heart attack symptoms appear. Treatment provided within this one-hour window greatly increases your chances of full recovery.
Patients brought in who are deemed at low or intermediate risk for a heart attack are evaluated over eight hours. If tests during that time are negative, a person may be discharged or given additional diagnostic tests.
In some cases, specialists in the Chest Pain Center may spot early signs of heart disease and put patients on a treatment path that can help reduce their risk for developing more serious heart problems. In other cases, specialists may determine that another problem—not heart disease—is responsible for chest pain, and they can recommend appropriate treatment.
If a heart attack is confirmed, patients receive medication and if necessary, are whisked to a catheterization lab or surgical suite, both just a few steps away.
Chest Pain Center Accreditation
The Chest Pain Center at Tacoma General Hospital received full national accreditation for its Chest Pain Center from the Society of Chest Pain Centers and Providers.