We are a Certified Chest Pain Center

Gateway Regional Medical Center recently received Chest Pain Center Certification from the Joint Commission, in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to the highest standards of heart care.

The recognition signifies a new era in heart care for the Granite City community.

“Gateway Regional Medical Center is committed to providing a leading heart care program for our community,” says M. Edward Cunningham, CEO of Gateway Regional Medical Center. “We are on a path of continual improvement: ongoing evaluation of our clinical practices, and investing the latest tools, techniques and innovations.”

Chest Pain Center Certification encompasses many facets of the hospital’s heart care program: direct patient care, clinical education and strategic planning for future program development. As an certified Chest Pain Center, Gateway Regional Medical Center regularly undergoes onsite review of its operations and patient care processes by a panel of experts from The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission provides evaluation tools to examine current operations and promote continual improvement in cardiac care.

Chest Pain Center Certification also links Gateway Regional Medical Center with other medical specialties and emergency services – such as emergency medical and dispatch services in the area. These integrated relationships mean shorter response times, seamless communication between emergency responders, and expedited treatment for cardiac patients.

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death in the U.S . Know the symptoms and don’t wait; if you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Signs of a heart attack:

• Discomfort in the center of the chest: this may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including pain in one or both arms, the shoulders, back or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Other signs: cold sweat, unusual fatigue, nausea or lightheadedness