Heart Failure Quality Measures
Heart failure is the weakening of the heart’s pumping power. With heart failure, your body does not get enough oxygen and other nutrients to meet its needs. These quality measures show the standards of care for this condition.
The rates displayed in these graphs are from data reported for discharges April 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008. The top hospitals rate represents the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide. The higher the score the better. Click here to view the legend for the graphs.
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Percentage of Patients given Ace Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD)
Explanation:
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotension receptor blockers) are medicines that are used to treat heart attacks, heart failure or a decreased function of the heart.

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Percentage of Patients given Assessment of Left Ventricular Function (LVF)
Explanation:
An LVF assessment checks how the left side of the heart is pumping.

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Percentage of Patients given Discharge Instructions
Explanation:
The staff at the hospital should provide you with information such as diet, activity, signs and symptoms of worsening conditions, medications, daily weight management and follow-up appointments.

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Percentage of Patients Advised to Stop Smoking
Explanation:
Smoking is linked to heart failure. Quitting smoking may help improve the conditions. FirstHealth offers FirstQuit, a program to assist tobacco users through the quitting process. The program includes a customized quit plan, one-to-one health education, coping strategies, medication education, support group services and proven tools to help you quit. For more information, call (910) 715-1925 or toll-free at (877) 342-2255.

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Heart Failure Optimal Care Score
Explanation:
This represents the percentage of patients with heart failure who received all
of the quality measures.

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