January 2022 – Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre achieves another impressive accolade; it has been recognised by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with heart attacks.

The American College of Cardiology is a 49,000-member non-profit medical society which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of cardiovascular patients through continuous quality improvement, patient-centred care, payment innovation and professionalism.

Impressively, Lenmed Ethekwini Private Hospital and Heart Centre is the first in Africa to be awarded Chest Pain Centre Accreditation with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) by ACC.

The rigorous evaluation is based on the hospital team’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, during its evaluation, was found to meet the stringent requirements to urgently treat heart attacks.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, the country has one of the highest levels of overweight and obesity challenges in the world which is a contributing factor for heart disease. Living a healthy lifestyle can prevent up to 80% of heart diseases that happen before the age of 65.

Living healthily can also assist in treating existing heart conditions. It is estimated that 70-80% of heart disease and stroke can be prevented by your life choices and habits, which includes eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight.

The treatment of a heart attack is time-sensitive, and the quicker you can receive treatment the lower the risk of damage to the heart muscle. While sudden chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Niresh Bechan, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre CEO, reminded the public to check for symptoms of a heart attack. “Always seek immediate medical attention for any chest pain or discomfort. If you experience these symptoms, please call our emergency response immediately on +27 (0) 861 344 237.”

Other symptoms of a heart attack may 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.

Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is an ultra-sophisticated and digitally integrated hospital north of Durban boasting an extensive and leading adult and paediatric cardiac and cardiothoracic service offering.

It is the only hospital in KwaZulu-Natal that offers much-needed services for paediatric cardiac surgery and has been voted as one of SA’s top 20 hospitals, for five consecutive years.

Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is part of the Lenmed Group of hospitals, which owns/manages 12 hospitals in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. For more, visit www.lenmed.com.

For any further information, please contact Lenmed Group Marketing and Communications Manager: Michelle Naidoo on +27 (0) 87 087 0600 or [email protected].