CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga has been recognized with the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. This award is given to hospitals that demonstrate high standards in treating heart attack patients and is awarded to only 323 hospitals nationwide.
The recognition highlights CHI Memorial’s consistent adherence to, and often exceeding of, clinical guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for heart attack care.
Kevin Hopkins, market vice president of cardiovascular service line at CHI Memorial, stated, “This recognition validates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of evidence-based care for every heart attack patient who walks through our doors. Knowing that we are consistently meeting and exceeding national guidelines means our patients receive the best possible chance for recovery and a healthier future, and that’s something we are incredibly proud of.”
To qualify for this award, CHI Memorial demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), performing at a high level on specific performance measures. Participation in this registry involves using data-driven processes to improve adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care for heart attack patients.
Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, commented on the hospital’s accomplishment: “It is an honor to award Memorial Hospital with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care. The receipt of this award indicates thatMemorial remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control, more than 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. Treatment protocols include immediate administration of aspirin upon arrival and discharge from the hospital, restoring blood flow promptly to blocked arteries, providing smoking cessation counseling, and offering cardiac rehabilitation services.
The Chest Pain – MI Registry helps health care teams treat heart attack patients according to current science-based guidelines while setting a national benchmark for improving outcomes among those with coronary artery disease.
CHI Memorial is part of CommonSpirit Health and operates as a not-for-profit organization founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The hospital provides a range of services including primary care as well as specialty services such as cancer treatment, cardiac care, neuroscience services, stroke care, orthopedics, and rehabilitation throughout Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. More information about CHI Memorial can be found at commonspirit.org/memorial.
The American College of Cardiology serves as a leading source in cardiovascular medical education globally since 1949. It sets standards in policy formation and accreditation while credentialing professionals worldwide who meet strict qualifications.
