NUMC Department of Cardiology’s Program Documents Successful Reduction in Heart Attack Mortality and Readmission Rates

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Nassau Health Care Corporation

NUMC Department of Cardiology’s Program Documents Successful Reduction in Heart Attack Mortality and Readmission Rates

East Meadow, N.Y., October 19, 2021 – 5 physicians at NUMC’s Department of Cardiology presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Quality Summit to share the promising results of their Myocardial Infarction (or heart attack) Program, debuted in 2012. The presentation detailed the results of the review period outcomes data of the Department of Cardiology, focused on improving patient cardiovascular outcomes to prevent unnecessary readmissions, improve quality of care and patient satisfaction, as well as quality of life for patients.

Nassau Health Care Corporation is proud to announce that 5 physicians from NuHealth’s Department of Cardiology presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Quality Summit in October 2021. This marks the second year that Dr. Amgad N. Makaryus, Chair of the Department of Cardiology at Nassau University Medical Center, and his colleagues have presented at this prestigious Summit. NUMC’s presentation was selected as one of the top twenty abstracts out of nearly a hundred abstracts given over the course of the event and was highlighted at the Summit Showcase.

Dr. Makaryus was the presenting author alongside co-authors Dr. Daniel Chikvashvili, Dr. Ofek Hai, Dr. Nisha Pillai, and Dr. Roman Zeltser. Their research, titled “Successful Quality Outcomes of a Comprehensive Myocardial Infarction Management Program at a Safety Net Hospital,” addressed the results of their Myocardial Infarction (or heart attack) Program between 2012 and 2019. The program focused on improving patient cardiovascular outcomes to prevent unnecessary readmissions, as well as improving quality of care, patient satisfaction, and patients’ quality of life following a heart attack. The program’s exciting results include a 3.7% reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality rates and a 3.1% reduction in 30-day readmission rates over the outcomes data assessment period.

To achieve these results, Dr. Makaryus and his team implemented a comprehensive algorithm that included heart attack education and prevention outreach focused on early recognition and management, as well as after care. They extensively educated patients on disease management and provided intensive instructions during admission; referred patients to a comprehensive transitions of care team that included case managers, social workers, and visiting nurse services, and worked with patients post-discharge to reinforce cardiac lifestyle modifications, such as eating habits and exercise. They also adjusted the optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), which includes medications shown to reduce morbidity and mortality, at initial and subsequent follow-up appointments.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of the death in the United States. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) accounts for most CVD deaths because it often leads to heart attacks. According to the 2021 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, the U.S. sees approximately 605,000 new heart attacks and 200,000 recurrent heart attacks every year. Moreover, uninsured or under-insured patients are at an elevated risk for Coronary Heart Disease. Due to the financial barriers of healthcare, un- or under-insured patients are less likely to seek care for related chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, and may not have the financial means to pay for necessary transportation or medications.

As NUMC’s Chair of the Department of Cardiology, Long Island’s only stand-alone safety net hospital, Dr. Makaryus works primarily with this patient population. Nevertheless, the results of his program clearly demonstrate Nassau University Medical Center’s successful delivery of high-quality, metric-driven cardiac care. Patient outcomes from NUMC’s Department of Cardiology match those of other hospitals in New York City and the surrounding area, while treating a patient population with higher rates of untreated chronic underlying conditions.

The Myocardial Infarction Program also offers an especially promising model for safety net hospitals like NUMC. The national estimated cost to healthcare facilities from cardiovascular disease is $12 billion annually. Dr. Makaryus and his team have shown that public safety net hospitals can reduce the mortality rates associated with heart attacks, as well as the likelihood of recurrent heart attacks by emphasizing patient education, support, and continuity of care. In turn, this results in reduced use of limited finances and resources for public hospitals.

Nassau Health Care Corporation congratulates Dr. Makaryus and his colleagues on their presentation at the American College of Cardiology’s Quality Summit and thanks them for their continued dedication to our hospital’s mission: to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Their work is a testament to our hospital’s academic rigor and commitment to improving not only patient outcomes, but patients’ experience at our facilities.

Any individual in need of cardiac care may call NUMC’s Cardiology Office at 516-296-4949. The cardiac outpatient practice is open 5 days a week from 9am to 5pm, as well as once a week for extended hours until 8pm. Cardiac emergencies are admitted to the hospital 24/7 through the Emergency Room and a cardiologist is always available as needed for provision of care. More information about NUMC’s physicians and services may be found at www.numc.edu.

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