Venice, FL,  December 16, 2009 – The Joint Commission has awarded Venice Regional Medical Center Disease-Specific Care Certification for its Heart Failure program.

To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive, on-site evaluation by Joint Commission reviewers every two years.  The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program’s processes, the program’s ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff.

“This certification means Venice Regional Medical Center does the right things and does them well for Heart Failure patients,” says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director,

Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

“Venice Regional Medical Center voluntarily pursued this comprehensive, independent evaluation to enhance the safety and quality of care we provide,” said Robin McGuinness, chief nursing officer, at the hospital.  “We are proud to achieve this distinction.”  The hospital had also achieved Stroke Center Certification through The Joint Commission earlier this year.

The Joint Commission launched its Disease-Specific Care Certification program in 2002.  It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management programs.  A list of programs certified by The Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute heart failure develops over time as the pumping of the heart grows weaker.  It can affect the right side of the heart only or both the left and right sides of the heart. Most cases involve both sides of the heart.  “Heart failure is a serious condition.” said Robin McGuinness, Chief Nursing Officer at Venice Regional Medical Center.  “About 5 million people in the U.S. have heart failure and it contributes to an estimated 300,000 deaths each year.”

Those most at risk for heart failure are:

• People who are 65 or older
• African Americans
• People who are overweight or obese.

Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women.  But, in actual numbers, more women have the condition.  This is because many more women than men live into their seventies and eighties when it is common.

Currently, there is no cure for heart failure.  However, researchers are finding and testing new treatments. People who have heart failure can live longer and more active lives if it’s diagnosed early and they follow their treatment plans.  For most, treatment includes medicines and lifestyle measures.