Hospitalization rates declined:
30-Day mortality rates declined:
One-year mortality rates declined:
Mean length of stay for cardiovascular admissions also declined across the board.
The report states that progress came from efforts to improve outcomes, the impact of changes in quality processes, raised awareness of treatment options, patient lifestyle changes, changes in medications and other factors.
All of this is very good news. CFA is dedicated to its work in the cardiovascular field. We proudly state that we have had the opportunity to positively impact the quality, accessibility and scope of cardiovascular care available to as much as 25% of the U.S. population working with our clients throughout the U.S. As encouraging as this news is, national statistics are just numbers on a page and always tempered by both local circumstance and personal experience.
Recently, a great friend of the CFA team lost his battle with heart disease. This loss was sudden and unexpected. He received the best of care, but it just wasn’t enough. As Dr. Krumholz stated in the news release, “There is still more work to do as heart disease and stroke combined remain the leading cause of death and disability…” There is indeed more work to do.
As always, CFA invites your comments, suggestions and questions.