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.

Following are Crozer-Keystone Health System's core measure requirements for heart failure.

Angiotension Receptor Blocker (ARB) for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD)

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors are a type of medicine used to treat heart attacks, high blood pressure and heart failure. They are also frequently prescribed for a condition called "left ventricular systolic dysfunction," which is a decreased function of the left part of your heart. ACE inhibitors can help reduce the risk of death from a heart attack if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of a heart attack. Continued use may help prevent heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by stopping the production of a hormone that can narrow your blood vessels. This helps reduce the pressure in your heart, lowering your blood pressure.

Adult 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 causes your blood vessels to thicken. Fat and plaque then stick to the walls of your blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Smoking is 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.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Function (LVF)

The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected. An important test is to check how your heart is pumping, called "the left ventricular function assessment." It can tell your health care provider whether the left side of your heart is pumping properly. Other ways to check on how your heart is pumping include:

• Your medical history
• A physical examination
• Listening to your heart sounds
• Other tests as ordered by a physician, such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), chest x-ray, blood work and an echocardiogram

Discharge Instructions to Patients

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. The information should include your:

• Activity level (what you can and can't do)
• Diet (what you should and should not eat or drink)
• Medications
• Follow-up appointment
• Watching your daily weight
• What to do if your symptoms get worse