UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute earns prestigious chest-pain honor from American College of Cardiology
When it comes to treating heart attacks, every second counts — and patients at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute can feel confident they are receiving some of the nation’s best care.
UK HealthCare has earned the American College of Cardiology’s Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025, making it one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to achieve this recognition. The award honors hospitals that consistently deliver the fastest and most effective guideline-based treatments for patients experiencing a heart attack.
“This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to providing timely life-saving care when patients need it most,” said Dr. Naoki Misumida, director of the UK HealthCare cardiac catheterization lab. “From the moment a patient comes through our doors, our doctors, nurses and staff are working together to ensure the best possible outcome.”
To achieve Platinum status, hospitals must sustain the highest level of performance in the registry over two consecutive years. That means UK HealthCare has repeatedly met or exceeded national standards for care — such as quickly opening blocked arteries, administering critical medications, and providing patients with resources like cardiac rehab and smoking cessation counseling.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack each year. By following evidence-based guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, UK HealthCare ensures that heart attack patients in Kentucky receive the same high-quality care available at top hospitals across the country.
“Earning this award demonstrates UK HealthCare’s commitment to improving outcomes for heart attack patients not only in Lexington, but across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Michael C. Kontos, chair of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee. “Their achievement shows that patients can count on UK HealthCare to deliver the highest quality cardiovascular care.”
