Mycardial Infarction Quality Indicators
Aspirin on Admission
To work properly, the heart muscle requires constant oxygen and nutrients, which travel through blood vessels. A narrowed blood vessel of the heart (coronary artery) reduces the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heart.
If a blood clot forms in a narrowed coronary artery, it can cut off the oxygen supply completely and cause a heart attack or myocardial infarction. Aspirin helps to prevent blood clot formation and heart attacks.
Multiple research studies over the past ten years provide strong evidence that aspirin and certain platelet inhibitors (drugs that keep blood platelets from sticking together) decreases the risk of re-closing a narrowed artery (restenosis) and death after a heart attack.
According to the Joint Commission, persons with a suspected heart attack should receive aspirin within 24 hours before or after hospital arrival.
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines found Class I evidence (highest level of scientific support) for giving aspirin as soon as possible for a confirmed or strongly suspected heart attack (Circulation, September, 2000: 102 (10); 1193-1209). Individuals who are at increased risk for bleeding, however, may not be candidates for aspirin therapy because aspirin thins the blood, further increasing the risk of bleeding.
At UVa, are eligible patients showing symptoms of a heart attack given aspirin within 24 hours of arrival?
Yes. For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2006, 98 percent of patients presenting with heart attack symptoms were given aspirin upon arrival to UVa, in compliance with our high standard of care. This is compared to an average of 95 percent of patients across the state and 92 percent of patients nationwide, as documented by the Hospital Quality Alliance, a Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services program.
