Heart failure is a weakening of the heart's ability to adequately pump blood through the bloodstream, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients supplied to vital organs. Care measures shown to have a positive impact on obtaining the best possible patient outcome are:

• Heart Failure Patients Given Discharge Instructions
• Heart Failure Patients Given an Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic (LVS) Function
• Heart Failure Patients Given ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD)
• Heart Failure Patients Given Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling

How We Compare

What Is Measured
The percent of heart failure patients who received specific discharge instructions on matters such as recommended activity, diet, prescriptions, appointments, onset of potential symptoms and when to seek emergency medical help.

Why It's important
Heart failure is a chronic condition with symptoms that must be properly managed on an ongoing basis. When patients understand and follow instructions for managing these symptoms, they reduce their risk of being re-admitted to the hospital for heart failure.

What Is Measured
The percent of eligible heart failure patients for whom an evaluation was conducted determining how well the left side of the heart was able to pump blood.

Why It's important
Heart failure can occur in different areas of the heart and proper treatment depends on what area of heart is affected. A left ventricular systolic (LVS) function assessment checks how well the left side of the heart is pumping. It is typically one of several tests that are conducted.

What is Measured
The percent of eligible heart failure patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) who received an "ACE"(angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor or "ARB" (angiotensin receptor blocker) on discharge.

Why It's important
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are prescription medicines that block a hormone in the body known to cause a narrowing of blood vessels. These medications help lower blood pressure so that the strain on the heart is reduced. Prescribing ACE inhibitors and ARBs to patients who have had heart failure or who have reduced heart function may significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.

What Is Measured
For heart failure patients that smoke, the percent who were given information or counseling to help them stop smoking.

Why It's Important
Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, thickened arteries and narrowing blood vessels, increasing the risk for a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Patients who receive medical advice or counseling about the benefits of stopping to smoke are more likely to quit than those who do not.