Myocardial Infarction Quality Measures

Aspirin on admission Beta blocker on admission Aspirin at discharge Beta blocker at discharge ACEI or ARB Chest pain center Smoking cessation Availability of PTCA Inpatient mortality Length of stay Physician board certification Lipid Lowering Therapy at Discharge LDL Cholesterol Assessment

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Myocardial Infarction Quality Measures

Beta Blocker on Admission

Beta blockers are a group of medications that block the stress hormone adrenaline, creating health benefits for heart attack survivors by blocking the harmful effects of adrenaline and slowing the pulse rate. Multiple studies show that early use of this medication consistently reduces the risk of death and decreases damage to the heart muscle. (Circulation, May, 2005:111 (20):2699-2710).

There are many different types of beta blockers. Your physician will prescribe one that will best suit your needs. Beta blockers are not for everyone, however. Some heart attack survivors may not receive a beta blocker due to other health conditions such as lung disease or slow pulse rate.

Unless otherwise contraindicated, the protocol at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center includes the administration of beta blockers to patients with heart attacks upon arrival to the hospital.

In 2006, 91 percent of heart attack survivors at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center received a beta blocker (medication that blocks the stress hormone adrenaline) within 24 hours of arrival unless otherwise contraindicated.