Heart Failure

Heart failure is a weakening of the heart’s pumping power. With heart failure, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to meet its needs. Your heart tries to pump more blood, but the muscle walls become weaker over time.

Quality Measures

Discharge: Written Instructions Given to Heart Failure Patients

What does this mean? This consists of six specific instructions related to activity, diet, follow-up, medications, symptoms that prompt attention and weight monitoring. This measures the percentages of eligible patients who are given written discharge instructions that cover all six areas upon discharge.

Why is this important? These instructions aid in helping you manage your heart failure symptoms and care upon discharge.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Function

What does this mean? This measures the percentages of eligible patients who have their left ventricular function assessed during the hospital stay.

Why is this important? The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected. Important tests to check how your heart is pumping are called an “evaluation of the left ventricular systolic function.” It can tell your doctor if any areas of the heart muscle are not pumping effectively.

ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD)

What does this mean? This measures the percentage of eligible heart failure patients who are prescribed an ACE Inhibitor or ARB at discharge (ACE Inhibitor = Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor; ARB = Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers).

Why is this important? These medications are used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly beneficial when there is decreased function of the left side of the heart. These medicines improve the heart’s ability to pump blood. 

Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling

What does this mean? This measures the percentage of eligible heart failure patients who have smoked within the past year and are given smoking cessation advice and counseling.

Why is this important? Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease that can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your arteries to thicken and your blood vessels to narrow. Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death.