A patient has heart failure when the heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body. Unlike a heart attack, which is a defined event at a specific time, heart failure is a chronic condition. Common symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs and abdomen.
HHC hospitals follow best practices to treat heart failure, including assessment of a patient's left ventricular function, which is a reflection of damaged heart muscle. ACE Inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are often administered to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. Heart failure patients who have a history of tobacco use receive smoking cessation advice and/or counseling during their hospital stay. Patients are also be given discharge instructions and other educational materials on exercise, activity level, diet, weight monitoring, and what to do if their symptoms get worse.
Below you will see how often HHC is following best practice standards of heart failure care.
Appropriate and Timely Treatment and Prevention
January 2008 - December 2008
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Heart Failure Care
