Atrial Fibrillation Certification
The Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC) recognizes atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to stroke and possible death, as a major health concern crippling individuals. Genesis HealthCare System is the first organization in the nation to be granted full atrial fibrillation certification by the SCPC. Genesis being the first organization in the nation receiving atrial fibrillation certification allows you to feel confident that we have the right skills, team and technology to successfully treat atrial fibrillation.
More than 2.5 million patients in the United States have atrial fibrillation and the numbers are rapidly increasing as our population ages. SCPC’s goal is to help facilities evaluate and manage the atrial fibrillation patient more effectively, improve patient outcomes and educate patients and healthcare providers to more efficiently care for this disease.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when one or both of the upper chambers of the heart — called the atria — beat erratically. This puts them out of sync with the heart's two lower chambers — called the ventricles.
The odds of developing AFib go up with age. In fact, the American Heart Association states that AFib is the most common serious type of irregular heartbeat in people over age 65. It's also sometimes associated with other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Some of the signs of AFib include:
- Racing, irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering in the chest
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue when exercising
What it Means to be Atrial Fibrillation Certified
Key areas in which a facility with atrial fibrillation certification must demonstrate expertise include the following:
- Emergency Department Integration with Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency Assessment of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
- Risk Stratification of the Atrial Fibrillation Patient
- Treatment for Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Fibrillation Discharge Criteria from the Emergency Department, Observation Services or Inpatient Stay
- Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education in the Emergency Department, Observation Services and Inpatient Unit
- Personnel, Competencies and Training
- Process Improvement
- Organizational Structure and Commitment
- Atrial Fibrillation Community Outreach
Why Choose Genesis If You have AFib?
If you are suffering from AFib it is important the you recieve treatment. Left untreated, AFib could lead to other problems and possibly stroke. We are the only hospital in the nation with atrial fibrillation certification, so you can feel assured you are getting the highest level of care.