Four hospitals within the AdventHealth West Florida Division have been recognized for their performance in treating heart attack patients. AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and AdventHealth Zephyrhills each received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain–MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. Fewer than 15% of hospitals nationwide earn this award.
The recognition is based on these hospitals’ ability to meet or exceed national guidelines for heart attack care. These guidelines are set by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
Dr. Charles Lambert, medical director of the AdventHealth West Florida Division’s Heart, Lung, and Vascular Institute, said: “This award is a testament to our commitment to provide the highest level of care and improve patient outcomes. Our expert team consistently meets or exceeds the highest standards, following proven protocols to save lives and minimize complications.”
Patient stories reflect these results. Joseph Negrin was brought to AdventHealth Tampa after a sudden cardiac arrest last Christmas. The hospital’s cardiac team quickly restored his heartbeat and provided further treatment.
“First, I thank God that I am alive. Next, I thank the doctors. They treated me very well. They were very attentive to me,” Negrin said.
“I don’t have any complaints. We are so grateful to the medical team and the doctors that he is still alive. I don’t even have the words to thank them,” added his wife Bertalina Figueras Castro.
Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center said: “It is an honor to award these facilities with the Platinum Performance Award. The receipt of this award indicates that these hospitals remain committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”
AdventHealth Sebring and AdventHealth Heart of Florida also received recognition with a Silver Performance Award; only 79 hospitals across the country earned this distinction.
Recent data from the Florida Department of Health showed that in 2024 there were about 142 hospitalizations for heart attacks per 100,000 hospitalizations statewide in Florida; Hillsborough County had a similar rate at 143 per 100,000 while Pasco County reported a higher rate at 177 per 100,000.
The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 800,000 Americans suffer heart attacks annually. Guidelines recommend immediate emergency care for heart attacks as well as specific treatments such as aspirin administration upon arrival and discharge from hospital care.
AdventHealth Orlando—located in Orlando since its founding in 1908—is part of this broader network providing healthcare services including pediatric wards and training programs under current president Terry Shaw.
For more information about cardiovascular services offered by AdventHealth’s institutes throughout Tampa Bay and beyond visit their website.
