Heart Attack Care
Care Quality Measures
|
Suburban Hospital
July - December 2011
most recent data
|
State Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
National Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
Aspirin given on arrival for patients with AMI (heart attack)
(What this measure means) |
99% |
99% |
99% |
Aspirin given at discharge
(What this measure means) |
100% |
99% |
99% |
ACEI or ARB medications given on admission for left ventricular systolic dysfunction
(What this measure means) |
100% |
96% |
97% |
Smoking cessation advice/counseling given to patients who smoke
(What this measure means) |
100% |
99% |
100% |
Beta blocker medication given at discharge
(What this measure means) |
99% |
98% |
99% |
PCI given within 90 minutes of arrival
(What this measure means) |
91% |
89% |
92% |
AMI (Heart Attack)
Immediate transfer to cath lab for angioplasty
What we are doing to improve:
A multidisciplinary team meets regularly to review the care of each patient who has gone to our cardiac cath lab for angioplasty. The goal of the team is to fine-tune the process from arrival to procedure, to assure the process of patient preparation and cath lab team coordination is as efficient as possible to allow the procedure to begin as soon as possible but always within 90 minutes of the patient’s arrival.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) and who receive aspirin on arrival to the hospital. This is part of the recommended therapy for heart attack care. (Higher percentages are better.)
Why This is Important: Taking aspirin at the first sign of heart attack can reduce damage to the heart while tests are being done and other treatments are being ordered. In fact, it is recommended that people take aspirin right away when they experience heart attack symptoms, such as severe chest pain or shortness of breath, and are calling 911.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) who received aspirin on discharge from the hospital. This is part of the recommended therapy for heart attack care. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Aspirin can help prevent the formation of blood clots or help dissolve blood clots that may have already formed. Continued use of aspirin after discharge may help reduce the risk of another heart attack. Long-term aspirin therapy can have side effects such as inflammation of the stomach or bleeding. Be sure to talk with your physician to make sure aspirin is safe for you.
What This Measure Means: Percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) and who have been prescribed an ACE Inhibitor (ACEI) or "ARB" medication. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: ACEI and ARB medications are used to treat patients who have heart failure and may be especially helpful for patients who have decreased function of the left side of the heart. Use of these medicines may reduce the risk of death from future heart attacks. These medicines have similar effects but each works in a specific way. Therefore, your physician will decide which drug, if either, is most appropriate for your care. The medication can be prescribed upon discharge from the hospital.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) and who smoke that have been provided with information to help them stop smoking. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Smoking causes thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels that can increase the risk of heart attack. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of heart attack. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of lung disease and cancer. It is important for people who smoke to receive education that will help them quit and help prevent another heart attack or lung disease.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) who have been prescribed Beta Blocker medication on arrival. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure and heart rate in the treatment of chest pain and heart failure. These medications may be useful in reducing the risk of the current heart attack and preventing another heart attack. Your doctor will prescribe one of these medications for you on admission as appropriate to your condition.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) and who have been prescribed Beta Blocker medication on discharge from the hospital. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure and heart rate in the treatment of chest pain and heart failure. They may be useful in preventing another heart attack. Your doctor will prescribe one of these medications for you at discharge as appropriate to your condition.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have had a heart attack (also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI) who have had a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedure within 90 minutes of arrival to the hospital to open blocked blood vessels in the heart. (Higher percentages are better)
Why This is Important: Blood clots can sometimes block the blood vessels of the heart, which prevent oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. When this happens, it is important to open the vessels as soon as possible to prevent muscle damage and increase the chances of survival after a heart attack. PCI procedures include angioplasty (balloon inflated to open the blood vessel); stenting (a small tube placed in the vessel to keep it open); and atherectomy (removal of the blockage using a blade or a laser). These procedures are accomplished through a catheter (tube) that is inserted through the groin and guided through the circulation until it reaches the area of blockage.
