Smoking Cessation Information Given to Heart Failure Patients

Percent of Heart Failure Patients Given Smoking Cessation Instructions
July 2008 - June 2009

What the graph is saying

For this measure, higher percentages are better. The graph above shows that HealthEast, St. Joseph's and St. John's are above the Minnesota average. During the timeframe, 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?

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 wall 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.

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.

Go to the next heart failure measure.