St. Luke’s has received the Mission: Lifeline^® Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Each year in the United States, approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment.

“St. Luke’s is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that goal through nationally respected clinical guidelines,” said Dr. Scott Mikesell, St. Luke’s cardiologist and Mission: Lifeline Minnesota Co-Chair. Dr. Mikesell is also the director of St. Luke’s Cardiac Cath Lab. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care, and I am very proud of our team.”

BELOW: St. Luke's Cardiologist and Mission: Lifeline Minnesota Co-Chair Dr. Scott Mikesell