Hospital cardio benchmark study

U.S. hospitals that are producing the best clinical outcomes for cardiovascular care also treat heart patients in less time and at a lower cost, according to a study released today by Thomson Healthcare (Stamford, Connecticut). The study, "2007 Thomson 100 Top Hospitals: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success," examined the performance of nearly 1,000 U.S. hospitals by analyzing their outcomes for eight measures related to congestive heart failure, heart attacks, coronary artery bypass grafts, and percutaneous coronary interventions, such as angioplasties.

If all cardiovascular hospitals achieved the same results as the 100 Top Hospitals award winners, according to the study, more than 7,000 lives would be saved and nearly 750 medical complications would be avoided annually.