Information current through May 6, 2008 Heart Failure Care US Average TN Average PWMC ACE Inhibitor for LVSD 89% 87% 77% Heart failure patients who receive either a prescription for a medicine called an “ACE inhibitor” or a medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) when they are discharged from the hospital. Most patients who have heart failure and who take ACE inhibitor medicine have less symptoms, are physically better, and reduce their risk of returning to the hospital. The number of patients prescribed this drug is measured. Adult Smoking Cessation Advice 95% 97% 99% Heart failure patients who are given advice about stopping smoking while they are in the hospital. This measure reports what percent of adult heart failure patients are provided advice and/or counseling to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs and blood vessels and makes existing heart disease worse. Discharge Instructions 76% 71% 79% Heart failure patients who receive specific discharge instructions about their condition. This measure reports what percent of patients with heart failure are given information about their condition and care when they leave the hospital. Patient education about medicines, diet, activities, and signs to watch for is important in order to prevent further hospitalization. LVF Assessment 95% 93% 97% Heart failure patients who have had the function of the main pumping chamber of the heart (i.e., left ventricle) checked during their hospitalization. This measure reports what percent of patients with heart failure receive an in-depth evaluation of heart muscle function in order to get the right treatment for their heart failure.