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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.
The government recently outlined the best medical practices for treating heart failure. These practices have been proven to provide the best results for the most patients. The below percentages includes only patients whose history and condition indicate the treatment is appropriate. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your treatment.
| Heart Failure |
St. Luke's Hospital |
Missouri Average |
National Average |
| Assessment of LVF (Left Ventricular Function) |
99% |
79% |
84% |
| ACE (Anglotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitor or ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) for LVSD (Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction) |
95% |
84% |
82% |
| Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling |
98% |
82% |
83% |
| Discharge Instructions |
96% |
63% |
63% |
|
Assessment of LVF (Left Ventricular Function): The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected. The left ventricle is the chamber of the heart that pumps blood from the heart and into the body. By testing the left ventricular function (LVF), healthcare providers can determine if the left ventricle is pumping properly.
ACE (Anglotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitor or ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) for LVSD (Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction): ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly helpful in those patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) which refers to a decreased function (squeezing ability) of the left side of the heart.
Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling: Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking is also linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important for your health that you get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital.
Discharge Instructions: Heart failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Before you leave the hospital, the staff at the hospital should provide you with information to help you manage the symptoms after you get home. This information should include your activity level (what you can and can't do), diet (what you should, and shouldn't eat or drink), medications, follow-up appointments, watching your daily weight, and what to do if symptoms get worse.
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