title: The cooperative cardiovascular project an AFMC special report.
abstract: Patients who suffer myocardial infarction can have improved outcomes if the following elements are part of their treatment plans: 1. Rapid diagnosis of the condition. 2. Use of thrombolytics or angioplasty early in the presentation, if appropriate. 3. Use of aspirin early in the course of care. 4. Discharge medications of aspirin and beta blockade, in appropriately selected patients. 5. Documentation of efforts to counsel the patient to quit smoking. The above material outlines the key indicators in the national project to improve care for heart attack victims. Hospitals should assess the diagnosis, immediate care, and long-term management of patients with this condition. Patients have a variety of comorbidities and do not always fit into a simplified therapeutic scheme. Nevertheless, the care of myocardial infarction victims in the pilot CCP states demonstrated that a sizable number of these patients could benefit from a more focused approach to the above therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Golden
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sanchez
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D001131:Arkansas; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001241:Aspirin