ACE inhibitor on discharge

In 2009, 98 percent of eligible heart attack survivors at Community Health Network and The Indiana Heart Hospital received a discharge prescription for an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medication (two groups of medications that relax blood vessels).

What is an ACE inhibitor medication and what does it do for the heart?

An ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme) is a type of medicine used to treat heart attacks, heart failure, or a decreased function of the left side 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 narrows blood vessels. This helps reduce the pressure in your heart and lower blood pressure. If you have a heart attack, you should get a prescription for ACE inhibitors before you leave the hospital.

The left ventricle is the part of the heart that holds and pumps blood to other vital organs. A measure called the left ventricular ejection fraction or LVEF is used to check for damage due to heart attacks and other conditions. The LVEF value for a person with no heart damage is usually around 60 percent. Systolic dysfunction (condition that causes reduced pumping ability of the heart’s left lower ventricle) represents reduced pumping ability of the heart.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEI) inhibitors are a group of medications that relax blood vessels and make it easier for the heart muscle to pump blood to vital organs. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are a similar group of medications, and both are recommended by the Joint Commission as important tools for reducing mortality in heart attack survivors who have left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).

A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology Research indicates those heart attack survivors who have reduced pumping ability of the heart should be placed on an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). This kind of medication reduces the chance of death and improves symptoms after a heart attack. (Circulation, May 24, 2005: 111 (20); 2699-2710)

Key

CHE = Community Hospital East
CHN = Community Hospital North
CHS = Community Hospital South
CHA = Community Hospital Anderson
TIHH = The Indiana Heart Hospital
NR = Not Reported
Network = Networkwide Total
National = National Total reported by U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

= Be careful when drawing conclusions for these hospitals because of the small number of patients treated for this condition.