Heart Failure Care
Heart Failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body's other organs. This can cause fluid to build up in the body, which is seen as swelling (edema), most commonly in the lower legs and ankles. Fluid can also collect in the lungs and interfere with breathing, causing shortness of breath. Appropriate recommended care for heart failure includes assessing heart function, advising smokers to quit, and prescribing specific medications and giving written instructions upon discharge from the hospital.
A composite score is a single score that reflects the following aspects of Heart Failure care when appropriate:
- Assessment of Left Ventricular Systolic Heart Function (LVS)
- Prescribing ACE Inhibitors or ARBs (specific heart medication) on discharge
- Providing discharge instructions
- Advice to stop smoking