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Now Available: VHAC 12-Lead ECG Fundamentals Course Download
We are excited to announce that the 12-Lead ECG Fundamentals Course, developed by the VHAC ECG Education Committee and supported by VCSQI, is now available for download. This course was created to strengthen statewide ECG competency and ensure rapid, accurate STEMI recognition across EMS and hospital teams. It covers essential knowledge and skills including: What an ECG is and how cardiac electrical activity is measured When to obtain a 12-lead and when a 15-lead is required
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Nov 25, 20251 min read


New VHAC Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Response Protocol Now Available
Driving Standardization and Insight Across Virginia The VHAC Pulmonary Embolism Response (PERT) Protocol is a new statewide framework developed by the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) PE Response Workgroup, a multicenter collaborative led by Dr. Michael Kelley of Carilion Clinic. Released October 8, 2025, this protocol was built through shared expertise and real-world feedback from hospitals across Virginia to streamline the recognition and management of acute pulmonary
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Oct 23, 20251 min read


VHAC Meeting Recap — Standardize. Share. Move Faster.
Held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond • 2025 Fall Statewide Meeting Virginia is tightening cardiovascular care by standardizing pathways, expanding registry coverage, and attacking stubborn delay—especially in the ED. The day hinged on two anchors: State of the State from Peter O’Brien, MD — Co-Founder, VHAC (Centra Lynchburg) and a cardiogenic shock deep-dive from Shashank Sinha, MD (Inova Fairfax). State of the State — Peter O’Brien, MD — Co-Founder, VHAC (Centra
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Oct 13, 20255 min read


Don’t miss it: STEMI pre-hospital care (Oct 1) + VHAC Statewide & VCSQI Fall Meeting (Oct 8–9)
Fast-moving, high-value education: STEMI, cardiogenic shock, PBM, TAVR, and more. CE included. We invite you and your teams to attend a...
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Sep 30, 20252 min read


VHAC & VCSQI Announce Finalized Cardiogenic Shock Protocol
We are proud to announce the release of the Virginia Statewide Cardiogenic Shock Protocol, officially approved on August 5, 2025, by the...
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Aug 6, 20251 min read
When the Code Is Wrong, the Care Suffers: Why MI Misclassification Matters to Virginia Hospitals
Accurate data saves lives. That’s why a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC ) should...
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Aug 4, 20251 min read


Standardizing Excellence: VHAC Releases Pre-Hospital STEMI Data Definitions
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) is proud to announce the release of the Pre-Hospital STEMI Data Definitions , developed by the...
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Jul 28, 20251 min read


Critical Gaps in STEMI Care: Delays and Institutional Variability Undermine Outcomes
Must reads: Delays in STEMI Treatment Remain Common, Tied to Worse PCI Outcomes | https://www.tctmd.com/.../delays-stemi-treatment-remain...
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Jun 23, 20251 min read


Tracking STEMI Treatment Times: Why Every Second Matters
When a patient experiences a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—a severe type of heart attack—every second between the onset of...
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Mar 19, 20252 min read


VHAC Clinical Workgroups: March 2025 Updates
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) continues to make strides in improving emergency cardiac care across the state. Each of our...
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Mar 10, 20252 min read


New ACC/AHA ACS Guidelines: A Milestone in Cardiovascular Care
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released updated comprehensive guidelines for the...
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Mar 6, 20252 min read


Announcing the VHAC Patient Panel Discussion: Voices of Cardiac Care
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) is proud to support the VCSQI Patient Panel Discussion , taking place on Thursday, December 5,...
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Dec 4, 20241 min read


Happy Thanksgiving from VCSQI and VHAC!
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people and moments that make life special. At the Virginia Cardiac...
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Nov 27, 20241 min read


Celebrating Virginia’s 2024 EMS Mission: Lifeline Award Winners
We are excited to announce the 2024 EMS Mission: Lifeline Award winners in Virginia, recognizing the outstanding EMS agencies that have...
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Oct 10, 20243 min read


Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) Statewide Meeting Recap - September 26, 2024.
On September 26, 2024, the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) hosted its highly anticipated annual Statewide Meeting at the Boar’s...
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Sep 30, 20242 min read


📰 Must-Read: Long-Term Outcomes for PCI in First-Time STEMI Patients
Discover the findings of a groundbreaking study on the 10-year survival rates of patients after their first ST-segment elevation...
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Aug 2, 20241 min read


Join Our Team as a Regional Leader!
Are you a recognized leader in cardiac practices such as shock, heart failure, and more? Do you have a passion for driving operational...
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Jul 20, 20242 min read


VHAC Survey Invitation: Enhancing STEMI Patient Care Practices - Deadline: July 13, 2024
Dear Valued Members, As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care for STEMI patients, the VHAC ED Bypass & False...
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Jun 25, 20241 min read


Save the Date: VHAC Statewide Meeting on September 26, 2024
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) is excited to announce our upcoming Statewide Meeting on September 26, 2024, at the beautiful...
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Apr 11, 20241 min read


Join Our Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Response Team Workgroup
As we continue to strive for excellence in patient care, we recognize the importance of staying ahead in the management and treatment of...
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Mar 5, 20241 min read
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