Abstract 184: Self-reported Hypertension Treatment Practices Among Primary Care Physicians and Cardiologists [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusions: This survey highlights several educational gaps, including differences between PCPs and cardiologists, on the perceptions of β-blockers for hypertension treatment. Future efforts should include physician education on relevant evidence-based differences between β-blockers, given their heterogeneity. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Egan, B., Flack, J., Lombera, S., Patel, M. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 183: Factors Associated With Hospital Readmissions Following Myocardial Infarction in Southern Appalachia [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Objective: Identify factors associated with readmissions following myocardial infarction.Background: The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, implemented in 2012 under the Affordable Care Act, penalizes hospitals with higher rates of readmission, defined as admission within 30 days from prior hospital discharge, than the national average for targeted diagnoses. One of the more common causes of readmission is myocardial infarction (MI). Southern Appalachian hospitals have readmission rates for MI that exceed the national average, resulting in financial penalties for these hospitals.Methods: Retrospective chart review stu...
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Treece, J., Brooks, B., Moore, C., Shipley, L. C., Zhang, M., Onweni, C., Jbara, M., Bhattad, V. B., Rahman, Z. U., Sivagnanam, K., Ramu, V., Paul, T. K. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 182: Causes and Prevention of Hospital Readmissions Secondary to Heart Failure in Southern Appalachia [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: Strategies to mitigate readmission rates secondary to HF include limiting LOS to less than 5 days, providing smoking cessation education, and prescribing an ACE-I at the time of discharge. Methods to minimize development of DM and CRF through controlling contributing risk factors and ensuring appropriate management of psychiatric disorders are additional platforms for decreasing readmission rates for HF. Counter to previous assumptions, the discharge time of the day, day of the week, and month of the year did not affect the rate of readmissions, nor did the type of payor, the discharge location, or whether pati...
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Treece, J., Brooks, B., Moore, C., Shipley, L. C., Zhang, M., Onweni, C., Jbara, M., Bhattad, V. B., Rahman, Z. U., Sivagnanam, K., Paul, T. K., Ramu, V. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 181: A Qualitative Insight Into Self-management Experience Among Chinese Patients With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusions: These findings add depth and complexity to interpretations of self-management activities from the perspective of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Patient-centered intervention are needed to assist and motive patients to become effective partners in diabetes care and thereby reduce the risk of developing CVDs. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cheng, L., Sit, J. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 180: Some Like it Hot; Radiation Safety in the Catheterization Lab [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusions: The changes made in imaging equipment and procedures 5 years ago have been largely sustained and have resulted in less frequent radiation outliers. Patient factors (e.g. obesity, prior CABG) complex and multivessel interventions, structural and vascular procedures are potentially frequently associated with excess radiation. Changing default settings and implementing radiation safety practices, including staging where appropriate, can significantly decrease radiation exposure to patients and staff. Cumulative and target organ specific patient doses of radiation should be tracked and more readily accessible in t...
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lawson, W. E., Wilbert, L., Gulino, K., Liakos, M., Mani, A., Kostic, P., Pyo, R. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 179: Temporal Trends and Clinical Consequences of Wait-Times for Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Population Based Study [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: Post-reimbursement wait-time has remained unchanged for patients undergoing a TAVR procedure, suggesting the increase in capacity has kept pace with the increase in demand. The current wait-time of almost 3 months is associated with important morbidity and mortality, suggesting a need for greater capacity and access. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Elbaz -Greener, G., Masih, S., Fang, J., Ko, D. T., Lauck, S. B., Webb, J. G., Nallamothu, B. K., Wijeysundera, H. C. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 178: A Shocking Inefficiency: Unexpected Cancellations of Elective Cardioversions at a High Volume Electrophysiology Lab [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusions: A shocking percentage of CV are cancelled unexpectedly highlighting an opportunity to improve efficiency and productivity in the EP lab. The cancellations appear to be driven by inadequate anticoagulation and patients unexpectedly arriving in normal sinus rhythm. Technology providing remote assessment of both of these clinical variables is already commercially available. This remote monitoring of heart rhythm and INR may provide opportunities to reduce cancellations, improve patient satisfaction and boost EP lab productivity. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lambert, C. T., Toro, S., Bumgarner, J. M., Tarakji, K. G. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 177: Heterogeneity in Blood Pressure Management in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease; Insights From the PORTRAIT Registry [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: The prevalence of HTN among PAD patients with new or worsening symptoms was high independent of BP cut off. Based on new HTN definition, only 1 in 3 HTN patients in this cohort have controlled BP. There was significant heterogeneity in BP control and rates of untreated hypertension differed by country independent of HTN definition. This suggests an opportunity to improve BP control in PAD patients. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Peri-Okonny, P. A., Patel, K., Wang, J., Stone, N., Smolderen, K. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 176: Is Measuring Blood Pressure All That Simple? An Investigation of Medical Staffs Proficiency in Blood Pressure Measurement [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
This study sought to determine whether improper blood pressure measurement techniques occur in our clinic, and to assess our medical staff’s knowledge of the procedure.A single-blinded observational study was conducted at an academic tertiary referral center’s cardiology clinic. Criteria for proficiency in blood pressure measurement were assessed with a 15-point checklist based on American Heart Association guidelines. All observers received hands-on training in BP measurement prior to evaluating medical staff. After the observational period, medical staff were asked to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire ...
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mehlman, A., Batra, N., Moreland, S. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 175: Atrial Fibrillation in the USF Resident Clinics: Quality-Driven Medical Therapy [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Patients with atrial fibrillation (afib) have a high rate of serious complications including stroke and decompensated heart failure. While patients with afib are five times more likely to suffer a stroke in their lifetime than the general population, this risk can be reduced by 64% with appropriate anticoagulation using warfarin or approved novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Reducing the morbidity and mortality from excess strokes is a common interest nationwide due to unsustainable healthcare costs, increasing human resource gaps in medicine, and payment reforms that hold physicians and healthcare organizations financiall...
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Sadic, E. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 174: Clinical Redesign Project to Improve Troponin Utilization at a University affiliated Community Hospital [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: cTn utilization can be effectively addressed by an organized multifaceted step-wise approach. Inappropriate utilization of cTn assays comes with associated cost implications due to the cost of the assay (nearly $50,000 cost savings in a year alone). It is quintessential to understand cTn ordering attitudes among different groups of healthcare providers. Our study also highlights the relevance of pre-test probability of ACS in any given patient before ordering cTn. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Kataria, R., Barsky, L., Vazquez Guillamet, L. J., Sikorsky, L., Hajdasz, D., Zarich, S. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 173: Reducing the Burden of Low Risk Chest Pain Admissions; Role of the Expedited Outpatient Stress Testing Quality Improvement Initiative [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: This local program for rapid out-patient testing for low risk chest pain patients in the ED is feasible, safe, and effective. Lack of patient adherence to follow-up is a concern with this out-patient approach. Improving time to stress testing and clinic waiting times have been identified as institutional priorities on the basis of this QI project. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Almufleh, A. S., Harnett, D. T., Ritcey, B., Chow, B. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 172: Early Impact of a Technology Solution to Transform Care for Cardiometabolic Conditions: Physician Experience and Patient-Centered Outcomes [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusions: Digital health solutions such as CM--SHARE can be successfully integrated into routine care settings and favorably influence physician efficiency and patient experience. Further research will explore the impact of CM-SHARE on longer-term health outcomes. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Liberman, J., Jones, J. B., Yan, X., Husby, H., Takher, G., Bullano, M., MacDonald, K. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 170: Racial Disparities and Patient Reported Healthcare Experience Among Adults With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Conclusion: This study reveals a strong relationship between race and patent healthcare experience among individuals with ASCVD. Targeted policies focusing on reducing disparities and improving patient healthcare experience are needed among these vulnerable population. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Okunrintemi, V., Salami, J., Valero-Elizondo, J., Osondu, C., Ogunmoroti, O., Patrick, B., Pawlik, T., Nasir, K. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research

Abstract 169: Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviors Influencing the Control of Hypertension and Diabetes: A Quantitative Study From India [Session Title: Poster Session AM]
Discussion: There is a gap in knowledge about how to prevent CVD, even as most patients expressed concern about it. Poor insight into the disease process, belief in traditional practices, and competing financial needs were significant barriers to adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Intervention models should consider the existing level of knowledge and work with local traditions in order to improve self-management among those with hypertension and diabetes in this community. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - April 5, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Barbhaya, D., Satish, P., Khetan, A., Madan Mohan, S. K., Josephson, R., Webel, A. Tags: Session Title: Poster Session AM Source Type: research