A heart
attack (acute myocardial infarction or AMI) is a life-threatening
emergency. It occurs when an artery to the heart (a coronary artery)
becomes blocked. Certain interventions and treatments have been
demonstrated to improve patient outcomes and decrease mortality.
Indicators
Aspirin
administered within 24 hours – Since early administration
of aspirin for
heart attack patients greatly reduces complications and mortality,
national guidelines recommend aspirin within 24 hours for those
patients who are able to take the drug.
View results per
facility
Aspirin
prescribed at discharge – Taking an aspirin daily
after a heart attack reduces complications and mortality. For patients
who are able to take aspirin, national guidelines recommend long-term
aspirin therapy to help prevent further heart attacks.
View results per
facility
ACEI or
ARB prescribed at discharge – National guidelines
for the treatment of AMI patients who have moderate to severe dysfunction
of the left ventricle include prescribing an angiotensin converting
enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
to reduce complications and mortality. Some patients, however,
may not be able to take these drugs due to allergies or other medical
reasons.
View results per
facility
Counseling
for adult smokers – Quitting
smoking reduces complications and mortality for heart
attack patients. We urge all patients who smoke to quit.
View results per
facility
Beta blockers
prescribed upon arrival – Beta blockers are a class
of drugs that lowers blood
pressure and improves the ability of the heart to pump. Beta
blockers also help prevent the heart from beating irregularly due
to the effects of the heart attack. Some patients, however, may
not be able to take these drugs
View results per
facility
Beta blockers
prescribed at discharge – Long-term use of beta
blockers helps prevent another heart attack or other complications.
Some patients, however, may not be able to take these drugs.
