FRISCO, Texas — Texas Health Hospital Frisco has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Heart Attack Ready certification.

During a recent site visit, reviewers evaluated the quality of the hospital’s treatment of acute coronary syndrome — described as various conditions that cause sudden reductions in blood flow to the heart — and STEMI, one of the most common and lethal types of heart attacks. STEMI, or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, is caused by a main artery in the heart being completely blocked.

“This designation represents Texas Health Frisco’s commitment to building comprehensive clinical programs by providing Frisco residents, and the surrounding areas, quality care close to home,” said Brett Lee, Ph.D., FACHE, hospital president. “We look forward to continuing to evolve our programs as the community continues to grow.”

More than 188,000 people currently live in Frisco, and the city’s projected population is 211,000 in 2025. As Frisco’s population rises, so does the likelihood of treating more high-acuity cardiac patients in Collin County.

According to The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association, key characteristics of the Acute Heart Attack Ready program include:

• Meeting standards promoting the highest level of commitment to consistent and optimal heart attack care.
• Focusing on symptom onset and first medical contact, emergency medical services, the emergency department and inpatient settings.

Preparation for Acute Heart Attack Ready certification involved several months of data collection and patient feedback analysis, said David Wolf, M.S.N., R.N., CNL, Chest Pain Program coordinator at Texas Health Frisco.

“This certification demonstrates our commitment to providing care tailored to the specific needs of each patient,” Wolf said. As a program coordinator, he empowers hospital staff with educational resources and reinforces the use of patient care protocols. “We’re dedicated to delivering timely and compassionate care to every cardiac patient who comes through our doors.” 

According to an America’s Health Rankings report, heart disease rose 23% among adult Texans between 2021 and 2022, contributing to the state’s overall health ranking of No. 39. Realizing the concerning trend and knowing that someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds, Texas Health Resources is committed to meeting the needs of North Texans where they live.

“Texas Health and physicians on the medical staff work cohesively to deliver optimal care to North Texans, no matter their location,” said John Lee, M.D., a Texas Health Physicians Group* interventional cardiologist and on the Texas Health Frisco medical staff.

“It’s imperative for care teams to remain vigilant in the fight against heart disease,” added Lee, who is also co-medical director of the hospital’s Chest Pain Program. “This certification holds us accountable for all of our continued efforts to continually advance and increase heart and vascular services for Frisco residents.”

Interventional cardiologist Owais Idris, M.D., agrees that keeping abreast of technological advancements is key to high-quality cardiovascular care, along with strategic collaboration.

“This certification means Texas Health Frisco is nationally recognized as a medical facility that provides the best care to patients coming in with chest pain,” said Idris, who also serves as Texas Health Frisco’s Chest Pain Program co-medical director.

“By collaborating closely with EMS, emergency rooms and urgent care providers, the end goal is always to improve the outcomes for patients.”

*Physicians employed by Texas Health Physicians Group practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals.