Percent of Heart Attack Patients Given Aspirin at Discharge

What the graph is saying

For this measure, higher percentages are better. The graph above shows that HealthEast and St. Joseph's are consistent with the Minnesota average. During the timeframe, St. John's and Woodwinds saw less than 25 patients who fit this measure, so hospital performance could not be predicted.

You can compare all hospitals' performance at the United States Department of Health & Human Services Hospital Compare web site. Its data will be slightly older than the data reflected on the HealthEast web site.

Why is this measure important?

Blood clots can block blood vessels. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming or help dissolve blood clots that have formed. Following a heart attack, continued use of aspirin may help reduce the risk of another heart attack. Aspirin can have side effects like stomach inflammation, bleeding, or allergic reactions. Talk to your health care provider before using aspirin on a regular basis to make sure it’s safe for you.

Description above from the United States Department of Health & Human Services Hospital Compare web site: www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov

* The "Top U.S. Hospitals" represent the top 10% of all hospitals reporting information to Hospital Compare.