The American Heart Association recognizes Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for its commitment to evidence-based, quality care for patients with chest pain and heart attacks.
COIMBATORE, 27 June 2026: Sri Ramakrishna Hospital has been recognized by the American
Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to
improving heart and brain health for all, as first Comprehensive Chest Pain
Center in Tamil Nadu. This prestigious certification signifies the hospital's
role as a critical component in the nation's healthcare system, helping bridge
gaps that delay heart attack patients from receiving timely access to
appropriate, life-saving treatment.
The certification was officially
announced and unveiled today during a press meet organized by Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. The event was led by Dr. Sundar
Ramakrishnan, Managing Trustee, SNR Sons Charitable Trust, and was attended by
Shri. C. V. Ramkumar, Chief Executive Officer, SNR Sons Charitable Trust; Shri.
D. Maheshkumar, Chief Administrative Officer, SNR Sons Charitable Trust; and
Dr. S. Rajagopal, Medical Director, Dr. S. Alagappan, Medical Superintendent, Sri Ramakrishna
Hospital, along with senior consultants and specialists from the Department of
Cardiology. The experts highlighted the significance of this international
certification and reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to delivering
world-class cardiac care.
Cardiovascular disease remains one
of the leading causes of death in Tamil Nadu, accounting for approximately 36%
of all deaths among people aged 30 to 69 years. Furthermore, the most recent
available data indicates a 12.5% year-on-year increase in heart attack-related
deaths. The growing burden of cardiovascular disease and its associated
disability underscores the importance of continually improving the treatment of
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (Heart Attack) - the most severe type of
heart attack.
The American Heart Association's
Comprehensive Chest Pain Center Certification recognizes hospitals that meet or
exceed rigorous quality standards in the treatment of patients experiencing
Heart Attack. This certification is awarded to healthcare institutions that
demonstrate excellence in promptly diagnosing heart attacks and delivering
advanced treatment.
A Comprehensive Chest Pain Center is
equipped with the expertise, infrastructure, and advanced technology required
to provide rapid intervention for Heart Attack patients, including Percutaneous
Coronary Intervention (PCI) - a life-saving mechanical procedure used to
restore blood flow to the heart. Certified centers must also demonstrate an
organizational commitment to evidence-based protocols, continuous quality
improvement, and coordinated care for patients presenting with chest pain.
"Worldwide, heart disease
remains the leading cause of death - when someone suffers a heart attack, time
is critical," said., Incoming Co-Chair persons of the American Heart
Association's International Committee. "Hospitals and health care
providers need to be prepared to coordinate care quickly and efficiently. We
developed the Comprehensive Chest Pain Center Certification to help hospitals
create an integrated and collaborative approach to cardiovascular care, improve
outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease, and provide certified care
to patients with Heart Attack and Non- Heart Attack.”
The American Heart Association's
goal through this certification initiative is to significantly reduce cardiac
deaths by increasing public awareness of heart attack symptoms, encouraging
timely medical intervention, reducing delays in receiving life-saving
treatment, and improving the accuracy and effectiveness of care.
Dr. Sundar Ramakrishnan, Managing
Trustee, SNR Sons Charitable Trust, said, "This certification is a significant milestone
in the continued growth of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital and a proud achievement for
our Department of Cardiology. It reflects our commitment to building a
healthcare ecosystem that combines advanced technology, clinical excellence,
and international quality standards. Our focus remains on ensuring that every
patient receives timely, evidence-based cardiac care of the highest
standard."