Percent of Heart Attack Patients Given Aspirin at Discharge
Why Is This Important?
Patients who have heart failure symptoms or decreased heart function after a heart attack can benefit from early treatment with ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). They work by limiting the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, and may thus lower blood pressure and reduce the work the heart has to perform. Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are different, the patient's doctor decides which drug is the most appropriate.
About This Graph
Eligible patients with decreased heart function should get a prescription for ACE inhibitors or ARB before leaving the hospital. The graph below indicates how often eligible HealthAlliance Hospital patients received an ACE inhibitor or ARB compared with hospitals in Massachusetts and in the United States. Higher percentages indicate better care. (Graph data: October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.)
How Are We Doing?
We have consistently maintained our goal of 100 percent for this measure; achieving a level of performance above our peers nationally and statewide. This is the result of involving our doctors and nurses to find opportunities for us to continuously improve the care we provide to our patients.