Angiotension Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

Or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker for Patients with
Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction 

The left ventricle is the part of the heart that holds and pumps blood to other vital organs. A measure called the left ventricular ejection fraction or LVEF is used to check for damage due to heart attacks and other conditions.  The LVEF value for a person with no heart damage is usually around 50 percent or greater. Systolic dysfunction (condition that causes reduced pumping ability of the heart's left lower ventricle) represents reduced pumping ability of the heart. 

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEI) inhibitors (group of medications that relax blood vessels and make it easier for the heart muscle to pump blood to vital organs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), a similar group of medications, are recommended by the Joint Commission for Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO's AMI-3-1 Core Measure ) to reduce mortality in heart attack patients who have left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).

A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology Research indicates those heart attack patients who have LVEF systolic dysfunction should be placed on an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). This medication reduces the chance of death andreduces disease symptoms after a heart attack. (Circulation, May 24, 2005: 111 (20); 2699-2710).

In 2007, 93 percent of eligible heart attack patients at Bloomington Hospital received a discharge prescription for an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medication (two groups of medications that relax blood vessels).

This compares to a national average of 88 percent compliance,  over the last four quarters of reported data, with this standard of care, as reported by US Department of Health and Human Services.