Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Becomes First Hospital Outside US to Receive ACC Electrophysiology Accreditation

American College of Cardiology also re-accredits Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s Cath Lab, meaning heart patients can be assured of receiving world-class care.

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare has become the first hospital outside the United States to receive an Electrophysiology Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

The accreditation means that Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare has demonstrated a high-level commitment to quality, safety, and evidence-based care in its Electrophysiology Lab, which treats patients with heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, and bradycardia.

The ACC has also re-accredited Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s Cardiac Cath Lab, meaning heart patients can be assured of receiving world-class care from a global leader in the field. The re-accreditation means that Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare has passed a rigorous, independent, and comprehensive evaluation of its ability to perform high-quality invasive cardiovascular procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary angiography.

In February this year, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare announced the launch of its Cardiovascular Center of Excellence. The new center, modelled on the renowned Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute in the United States, offers comprehensive cardiac services based on evidence-based protocols and patient-centered excellence.

Dr. Russell Hales, Chief Centers of Excellence Officer at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, said: “Our Cardiovascular Center of Excellence heralds a new era of patient-centered heart and vascular care in Saudi Arabia. These latest accreditations from the ACC underscore our commitment to building a world-class cardiology program that brings trusted care closer to home.”

Kristy Chambers, Global Health Systems Strategy and Accreditation Lead at the ACC, said: “This is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s unwavering commitment to excellence, patient safety, and the highest standards of cardiovascular care.

“Earning these accreditations is no small feat — it requires rigorous preparation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a steadfast focus on quality improvement. Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s dedication to advancing clinical practice and delivering exceptional outcomes for its patients is evident in these achievements.

“These milestones not only recognize the strength of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s programs today but also reinforce its role as a leader in cardiovascular care for the future. The impact of this work will be felt in the lives of countless patients and families.”

Last year, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s adult heart surgery program was awarded elite status by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and ranked in the top 5% of programs globally. The STS awarded Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare a 3-star rating, the highest possible.

Also last year, the ACC awarded Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare the Transcatheter Valve Certification, making it the first TVC-certified hospital in the Middle East.

Dr. Faisal Al Qoofi, Chief of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, said: “These accreditations are truly an important milestone for us, demonstrating our commitment to high standards and reinforcing our patients’ trust.”

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare patients who undergo TAVR enjoy excellent outcomes that typically exceed US benchmarks. An analysis found that in 2024, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare met or exceeded 11 of 12 benchmarks against which it was tested, with impressive performance across safety, efficacy, recovery, and follow-up indicators.