Better Outcomes In Heart Attack Patients Linked To Chest Pain Center Accreditation Hospitals accredited by Society of Chest Pain Centers ( SCPC ) have been shown to perform better in heart attack core measures established by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) as compared to non-accredited hospitals, according to a national study led by an Emory University researcher. The findings, by Michael Ross, MD, associate professor and medical director for observation medicine in Emory University School of Medicine, are reported in the July issue of The American Journal of Cardiology. The SCPC was established in 1998, and involves a collaboration of physicians, nurses and health care experts from cardiology, emergency medicine, nuclear medicine and clinical pathology. Through reviews of published research and expert consensus, society developed criteria for accreditation of chest pain centers. " The objective of this study was to determine if adherence to CMS core measures for AMI is higher at accredited ACPC hospitals vs. non-accredited, " says Ross. " To achieve accreditation, an institution must submit documentation and participate in a site visit conducted by SCPC reviewers. The number of centers that applied for and received accreditation increased dramatically from June 2003 when first hospital chest pain center was accredited. Now 364 accredited chest pain centers are being accredited as of January 2008. " Ross continues, " Although number of accredited hospitals has steadily risen during the past five years, no studies until now have actually compared clinical outcomes or compliance with core measures for management of AMIs in patients served by hospitals with accredited or non-accredited centers. " CMS has established core measures for AMI for all hospitals that bill for care of Medicare patients. These measures are considered to represent best practices for care of patients with AMIs, and their reporting is required. If all hospitals performed CMS core measures at levels reported by those with accredited chest pain centers, more heart attack patients would be treated with aspirin and beta blockers at both arrival and discharge from the hospital. Increased adherence to the core measures might also lead to more heart attack patients receiving emergency angioplasty within 120 minutes -- the so-called " door to balloon " benchmark used at time of reporting. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Source: Lance Skelly Emory University
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Is Fosamax helpful? Fosamax: uses Fosamax is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss ( osteoporosis ) . It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, and they decrease the activity of cells which break down bone. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss helps to reduce the risk of fractures.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis is greater as you age, after menopause due to lack of natural estrogen hormones, and if you are taking corticosteroid medications ( e. g. , prednisone ) for long periods. Fosamax: how to use Follow these instructions very closely to maximize amount of drug absorbed and reduce risk of injury to your esophagus. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions we may have about this medicine.
Fosamax is taken once per week. Choose day of week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week.
Take Fosamax by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Drink at least 2 ounces ( 60 ml ) of plain water after taking liquid Fosamax. Then stay fully upright ( sitting, standing or walking ) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of day. Wait at least 30 minutes ( preferably 1 to 2 hours ) after taking the medication before we eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Don't take Fosamax at bedtime or before rising for day. It mayn't be absorbed and we may have side effects.
Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of Fosamax. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes ( preferably 1 to 2 hours ) after taking Fosamax.
Use Fosamax regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Fosamax: side effects Stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea may occur while use Fosamax. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Fosamax because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Fosamax do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Fosamax may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of esophagus. If we notice any of following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking Fosamax and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately:
A serious allergic reaction to Fosamax is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Fosamax: precautions Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies.
Fosamax should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
Before using Fosamax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Infrequently, serious jawbone problems ( osteonecrosis ) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in mouth or other diseases of mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start Fosamax. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation treatments, and also all medications you're using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and Fosamax. Consult your dentist for more details.
Fosamax isn't recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took Fosamax had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
Fosamax should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It's not known whether Fosamax passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Fosamax: interactions See also the How to Use section.
Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Don't start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Fosamax, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen ) that could cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention ( usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day ) , should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Fosamax, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
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