Providing necessary care and resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

MARQUETTE, Mich. (Aug. 7, 2025) — The American College of Cardiology has recognized UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. UPHS – Marquette was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August, based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups. One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw; shortness of breath; cold sweat; unusual tiredness; a heartburn-like feeling; nausea or vomiting; sudden dizziness; and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI — also known as coronary angioplasty — is a nonsurgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that earn ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7. To meet the criteria of this designation, facilities must comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and maintain a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a no-diversion policy for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“UPHS – Marquette has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Upper Peninsula with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award UPHS – Marquette with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving this accreditation from the ACC must participate in a multi-faceted clinical process that includes a gap analysis, examination of care variances, development of an action plan, a rigorous onsite review and ongoing monitoring. Patient care is improved through streamlined processes, evidence-based guidelines, and adoption of best practices for those experiencing heart attack symptoms. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed stringent criteria and organize teams of physicians, nurses, clinicians and staff who actively support improved outcomes and patient education.

“I’m incredibly proud of our organization’s commitment to providing evidence-based, high-quality heart and vascular services right here in the Upper Peninsula,” said Joseph Ackerman, STEMI/Chest Pain coordinator at UP Health System – Marquette. “The renewal of this accreditation reflects the quality of not only our Chest Pain Center, but our Heart and Vascular services. Our communities continue to benefit from this ongoing effort.”

UP Health System – Marquette offers the most comprehensive cardiovascular services in the Upper Peninsula — including general cardiology, diagnostic testing, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, clinical research, electrophysiology, rehabilitation, vascular care and open-heart surgery.

To assess your heart health, take our free online heart health assessment. To speak with a provider, call 844.411.UPHS (8747) or visit the “Find a Provider” tab at UPHealthSystem.com to schedule an appointment. In an emergency, call 911. Minutes matter — acting quickly can save a life.

Meet our Heart and Vascular team

Learn more about our Heart and Vascular team, heart attack warning signs and our cardiac accreditations at UP Health System – Marquette.

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like UPHS – Marquette a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services focus on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org.