Quality Corner
Heart Attack
July 2009 through May 2010
| Quality Indicator |
THE HEART HOSPITAL |
NATIONAL |
State of Texas |
Rationale |
| % of heart attack inpatients given aspirin at arrival |
98.7% * |
95% |
95% |
Aspirin reduces the tendency of blood to clot by blocking the action of a type of blood cell involved in clotting. Aspirin improves chances of surviving a heart attack and reduces the risk of recurrence in patients who have experienced a heart attack.
|
| % of heart attack inpatients given aspirin at discharge |
100% * |
94% |
92% |
Aspirin reduces the tendency of blood to clot by blocking the action of a type of blood cell involved in clotting. Aspirin improves chances of surviving a heart attack and reduces the risk of recurrence in patients who have experienced a heart attack.
|
| % of heart attack inpatients given the medication ACEI/ARB for left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction |
96% * |
92% |
91% |
ACEIs widen or dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
|
| % of heart attack inpatients given the medication beta blocker at discharge |
98.7% * |
94% |
93% |
Beta-blockers are agents which block beta-adrenergic receptors, thereby decreasing the rate and force of heart contractions, and reducing blood pressure. Over time beta-blockers improve the heart's pumping ability.
|
| % of heart attack inpatients received cardiac intervention within 90 minutes of arrival to hospital |
100% * |
82% |
71% |
The size of a heart attack and the risk of death are directly related to the amount of time the heart is ischemic, or starved for blood and oxygen. Opening the blocked artery within 90 minutes has repeatedly been associated with better outcomes.
|
* - Indicates higher performance than the National & State Averages
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