Myocardial Infarction Quality Measures
Aspirin on Admission
To work properly, the heart muscle requires constant oxygen and nutrients, which travel through blood vessels. A narrowed blood vessel of the heart (coronary artery) diminishes the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heart. If a blood clot forms in a coronary artery it can cut off the oxygen supply completely and cause a heart attack or myocardial infarction. Aspirin helps to prevent blood clot formation.
Multiple research studies over the past ten years provide strong evidence that aspirin and certain platelet inhibitors (drugs that keep blood platelets from sticking together) decreases the risk of re-closing a narrowed artery (restenosis) and death after a heart attack.
According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, persons with a suspected heart attack should receive aspirin within 24 hours before or after hospital arrival.
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines found Class I evidence (highest level of scientific support) for giving aspirin as soon as possible for a confirmed or strongly suspected heart attack (Circulation, September, 2000: 102 (10); 1193-1209). Individuals who are at increased risk for bleeding, however, may not be candidates for aspirin therapy because aspirin thins the blood, further increasing the risk of bleeding.
Unless otherwise contraindicated, the protocol at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center includes the administration of aspirin to heart attack patients upon arrival to the hospital .