Percent of Heart Failure Patients Evaluated for Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Why Is This Important?
The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of the heart is affected. An important test is to check how the heart is pumping; it is called an "evaluation of the left ventricular systolic function." It can tell the health care provider whether the left side of the heart is pumping properly. Other ways to check on how well the heart is pumping include a medical history, physical exam, listening to the heart, and tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), chest x-ray, blood work and an echocardiogram.
About This Graph
The graph below indicates how frequently UMass Memorial Medical Center evaluates for left ventricular systolic functioning as compared to other Massachusetts and U.S. hospitals. Higher percentages are better. (Graph data: Jan 2011 - Dec 2011.)
How Are We Doing?
While we have consistently achieved a level of performance above our peers nationally as well as statewide, our goal is to continue to stay at 100 percent in this measure for all patients at all times. To that end, we continue to monitor our care to identify any incidences where we did not meet the standard. Every incidence when we do not meet the standard is reviewed with a multidisciplinary team in order to identify barriers to care and implement processes to help us improve. Results are updated quarterly in order to provide the most up-to-date information.