Aspirin at Discharge
This measure tracks heart attack survivors who received a prescription for daily aspirin after hospital discharge, unless otherwise contraindicated.
| National Average (CMS†) | State Average (CMS†) | Strong Memorial Hospital 12-month Average* (CMS†) |
Strong Memorial Hospital Latest Quarter** |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/2008 - 3/2009 | 4/2008 - 3/2009 | 4/2008 - 3/2009 | 4/2009 - 6/2009 | |
| 93% | 96% | 100% | 100% | |
| *Comparison to national and state averages **Contains data for a more recent quarter not yet represented in state and national averages †Data based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) |
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According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, aspirin is recommended to decrease the incidence (frequency of new cases) of heart disease in adults who have risk factors for heart disease. 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.
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines found Class I evidence (highest level of scientific support) for taking aspirin indefinitely after a heart attack Evidence for this guideline has existed since the mid to late 1990s and has been further supported by subsequent research.
Unless otherwise contraindicated, the protocol at Strong Memorial Hospital includes prescribing daily aspirin for heart attack survivors after hospital discharge.
