Texas Health Dallas Breaking Language Barriers to Save Lives

American Heart Association welcomes Chinese STEMI delegates to North Texas

DALLAS, Texas – December 7, 2017 – According to the American Heart Association, each year in the United States, approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires time-sensitive treatment. To prevent loss of life, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

Since 2015, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for its guidelines and best practices in treating acute coronary syndromes, such as STEMI. Because of Texas Health Dallas’ successful and collaborative approach to delivering time-sensitive treatment to STEMI patients, the AHA selected the hospital for a unique site visit.

Delegates from the Chinese Society of Cardiology visited Texas Health Dallas to learn about ways to enhance STEMI care in China. The delegation met with several key members of the Texas Health Dallas leadership team, including Jim Berg, hospital president, and Dr. James Park, interventional cardiologist on the Texas Health Dallas medical staff.

Comprised of nine medical directors and professors of medicine, the Chinese delegates toured Texas Health Dallas’ emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab and the ICU.

The hospital’s collaborative approach to STEMI care is highlighted by the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline program and helps hospitals, emergency medical services and communities improve response times. This collaborative approach to care allows STEMI patients to receive prompt, appropriate treatment.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, according to the AHA. And by 2030, the number of cardiovascular deaths could surpass 23.6 million. Alarming numbers such as these further emphasize Texas Health Dallas’ commitment to addressing the needs of North Texans through quality patient and family-centered heart and vascular care. Texas Health Dallas is also committed to fighting heart disease through its continued collaboration with AHA. Educational events, such as the Chinese STEMI delegates visiting Texas Health Dallas all the hospital to share invaluable cardiac knowledge with individuals locally and abroad.

To learn more about cardiovascular services, visit Texas Health Dallas comprehensive cardiovascular care.

About Texas Health Resources
Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health systems in the United States. The health system, which along with UT Southwestern founded Southwestern Health Resources in 2016 to make it easier for North Texans to access the highest quality care consistently in a responsive and coordinated manner, includes 29 hospital locations that are owned, operated, joint-ventured or affiliated with Texas Health Resources. It includes Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, Texas Health Harris Methodist and Texas Health Huguley Hospitals, Texas Health Physicians Group, outpatient facilities, behavioral health and home health, preventive and fitness services, and an organization for medical research and education. For more information about Texas Health Resources, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

SOURCE: Texas Health