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Diseases » Heart attack » Treatments
 

Treatments for Heart attack

Contents
  1. Heart attack: Introduction
  2. Treatment list for Heart attack
  3. Alternative Treatments
  4. Latest treatments for Heart attack
  5. News about treatments
  6. Discussion of treatments for Heart attack
  7. Buy Products Related to Treatments for Heart attack
  8. Heart attack: Introduction

Treatments for Heart attack

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Heart attack includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

  • Call emergency immediately - 911 in the USA.
  • Go to a hospital immediately - if you cannot call emergency.
  • Emergency treatment
  • Hospitalization
  • Coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)
  • Coronary artery bypass
  • Immediate self-help for heart attacks
    • Call for emergency medical help - usually 911 in the USA
    • Nitroglycerin pills - it may be possible to take your prescribed nitroglycerin pills for heart attack symptoms, according to your doctor’s orders. Call emergency immediately if the symptoms are occurring for the first time, severe, or unusual in any way. If symptoms stop quickly (less than 15 minutes), call your doctor for advice anyway. If symptoms continue, call emergency.
    • Aspirin - Taking aspirin may be helpful. Can be taken in addition to nitroglycerin pills. Can also be taken even if you are not on nitroglycerin pills. Call emergency immediately if the symptoms are occurring for the first time, severe, or unusual in any way. If symptoms stop quickly (less than 15 minutes), call your doctor anyway; if not, call emergency.

Heart attack: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Heart attack may include:

  • heartburn - it is sadly common for people having a heart attack to think they have only heartburn.
  • angina - heart attack and angina symptoms are sometimes similar. Angina is also a serious condition. Seek medical advice.
  • gastrointestinal disorder
  • more diagnoses...»

Hidden causes of Heart attack may be incorrectly diagnosed:

Heart attack: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Heart attack:

Heart attack: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Heart attack:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Heart attack include:

  • Angiotensin Converting Enzyme - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • ACE Inhibitor - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Benazepril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lotensin - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lotensin HCT - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lotrel - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Captopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Apo-Capto - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Capoten - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Capozide - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Novo-Captopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Nu-Capto - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Syn-Captopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Enalapril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lexxel - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Vaseretic - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Vasotec - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Fosinopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lin-Fosinopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Monopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Monopril HCT - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Lisinopril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Prinivil - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Prinzide - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Zestoretic - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Zestril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Quinapril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Accupril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Accuretic - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Ramipril - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Altace - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Ramace - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Aspirin
  • Acetylsalicylic acid
  • ASA
  • Added Strength Analgesic Pain Reliever
  • Adult Strength Pain Reliever
  • Aggrenox
  • Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid
  • Alka-Seltzer Night Time
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold
  • Anacin
  • Anacin Maximum Strength
  • Anacin w/Codeine
  • Ancasal
  • APC
  • APC w/Codeine
  • APO-ASA
  • Arthritis Pain Formula
  • Arthritis Strength Bufferin
  • A.S.A. Enseals
  • Asasantine
  • Ascriptin
  • Ascriptin A/D
  • Aspergum
  • Aspirin PROTECT
  • Asprimox
  • Astrin
  • Axotal
  • Azdone
  • Bayer Aspirin
  • Bayer Children's Chewable Aspirin
  • Bayer Enteric Aspirin
  • Bayer Plus
  • BC Powder
  • Buffaprin
  • Bufferin
  • Bufferin Arthritis Strength
  • Bufferin Extra Strength
  • Bufferin w/Codeine
  • Cama Arthritis Pain Reliever
  • Cardioprin
  • Carisoprodol Compound
  • Cope
  • Coricidin
  • Coryphen
  • Coryphen-Codeine
  • C2 Buffered
  • Darvon Compound
  • Dorect Fpr,I;aru As[orom
  • Dristan
  • Easprin
  • Ecotrin
  • 8-Hour Bayer
  • Empirin
  • Empirin w/Codeine No. 2,4
  • Entrophen
  • Excedrin
  • Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs
  • Excedrin Migraine
  • Fiorinal
  • Firoinal-C
  • Firoinal w/Codeine
  • Genacote
  • Genprin
  • Goody's Headache Powder
  • Halprin
  • Hepto
  • Lortab ASA
  • Low Dose Adult Chewable Aspirin
  • Marnal
  • Maximum Bayer Aspirin
  • Measurin
  • Midol Caplets
  • Momentum
  • Norgesic
  • Norgesic Forte
  • Norwich Aspirin
  • Mpvasem
  • Orphenadrine
  • PAP w/Codeine
  • Percodan
  • Percodan-Demi
  • Phenaphen
  • Phenaphen No. 2, 3, 4
  • Propoxyphene Compound
  • Riphen-10
  • Robaxisal
  • Robaxisal-C
  • Roxiprin
  • 692
  • SK-65 Compound
  • Soma Compound
  • St. Joseph Children's Aspirin
  • Supasa
  • Synalgos
  • Synalgos-DC Tablet
  • Triaphen-10
  • 217
  • 217 Strong
  • 292
  • Vanquish
  • Verin
  • Wesprin
  • Zorprin
  • Atenolol
  • Apo-Atenolol
  • Novo-Atenolol
  • Nu-Atenolol
  • PMS-Atenolol
  • Tenoretic
  • Tenormin
  • Warfarin
  • Athrombin-K
  • Carfin
  • Coumadin
  • PanWarfarin
  • Sofarin
  • Warnerin
  • Direct Formulary Aspirin
  • Halfprin
  • Novasen
  • Alteplase
  • Activase
  • Actilyse
  • Reteplase
  • Retavase
  • Streptokinase
  • Streptase
  • Tenecteplase
  • TNKase

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Heart attack:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Heart attack include:

  • Betaxolol - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Betoptic - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Betoptic-Pilo - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Betoptic-S - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Kerlone - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Novo-Betaxolol - reduces risk of death following heart attack
  • Carvedilol - reduces the risk of death following a heart attack
  • Coreg - reduces the risk of death following a heart attack
  • Dilatrend - reduces the risk of death following a heart attack
  • Eucardic - reduces the risk of death following a heart attack
  • Proreg - reduces the risk of death following a heart attack
  • Infliximab
  • Anti TNF monoclonal antibody
  • Remicade
  • Isosorbide Mononitrate
  • Elan
  • Elantan
  • Imdur
  • Ismo
  • Monoket
  • Macrolide antibiotics - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Azithromycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Zithromax - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Clarithromycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Biaxin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Biaxin XL - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Biaxin XL Pac - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Erythromycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Apo-Erythro Base - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Apo-Erythro E-C - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Apo-Erytrho-ES - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Apo-Erythro-S - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E.E.S - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E.E.S. 200 - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E.E.S. 400 - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E-Mycin Controlled Release - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E-MycinE - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • E-Mycin 333 - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Eramycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Erybid - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • ERYC - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • EryPed - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Eryphar - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Ery-Tab - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Erythrocin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Erythromid - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Ethril - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • ETS-2% - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Ilosone - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Ilotycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Novo-Rythro - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • PCE - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Pediamycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Pediazole - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • PMS-Erythromycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Robimycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • SK-Erythromycin - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Wyamycin E - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae
  • Wyamycin S - mainly used when heart attack is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae

Latest treatments for Heart attack:

The following are some of the latest treatments for Heart attack:

Hospital statistics for Heart attack:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Heart attack:

  • 195 per 100,000 rate for Acute Myocardial Infarction hospitalizations in Canada 1995 Surveillance on-line, 1998 LCDC, Health Canada)
  • 1.033% (105,476) of hospital consultant episodes were for acute myocardial infarction in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 66% of hospital consultant episodes for acute myocardial infarction required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 62% of hospital consultant episodes for acute myocardial infarction were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • more hospital information...»

Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Heart attack

Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Heart attack:

Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »

Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Heart attack, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:

Medical news summaries about treatments for Heart attack:

The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Heart attack:

Discussion of treatments for Heart attack:

Facts About Heart Disease and Women: NHLBI (Excerpt)

Getting to the hospital fast allows use of thrombolytic (Source: excerpt from Facts About Heart Disease and Women: NHLBI)

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI (Excerpt)

Clot-busting drugs and other artery-opening treatments work best when given within the first hour after a heart attack starts. The first hour also is the most risky time during a heart attack–it’s when your heart might stop suddenly. Responding fast to your symptoms really increases your chance of surviving. (Source: excerpt from Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI)

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI (Excerpt)

Given that these new therapies are available, it’s very sad to know that so many people cannot receive these treatments because they delay too long before seeking care. The greatest benefits of these therapies are gained when patients come in early (preferably within the first hour of the start of their symptoms). (Source: excerpt from Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI)

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI (Excerpt)

Emergency medical personnel—also called EMS, for emergency medical services—bring medical care to you. For example, they bring oxygen and medications. And they can actually restart someone’s heart if it stops after they arrive. Your wife/husband/friend/coworker can’t do that, or help you at all if they are driving. In the ambulance, there are enough people to give you the help you need and get you to the hospital right away. (Source: excerpt from Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI)

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI (Excerpt)

I carry nitroglycerin pills all the time for my heart condition. If I have heart attack symptoms, shouldn’t I try them first?

Yes, if your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin pills, you should follow your doctor’s orders. If you are not sure about how to take your nitroglycerin when you get chest pain, check with your doctor. (Source: excerpt from Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI)

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI (Excerpt)

You should not delay calling 9-1-1 to take an aspirin. Studies have shown that people sometimes delay seeking help if they take an aspirin (or other medicine). Emergency department personnel will give people experiencing a heart attack an aspirin as soon as they arrive. So, the best thing to do is to call 9-1-1 immediately and let the professionals give the aspirin. (Source: excerpt from Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack: NHLBI)

Heart Attack: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Call or have someone else call 911. Don't delay. New medical treatments can stop heart attacks in its track. Don't wait because you think it will be embarrassing if it turns out not to be a heart attack! Treatments are most effective if given within one hour of when the attack begins. However, only 1 in 5 patients get to the hospital emergency department within one hour of when their heart attack symptoms begin. (Source: excerpt from Heart Attack: NWHIC)

Heart Attack: NWHIC (Excerpt)

The longer you wait to get medical treatment, the greater the likelihood that you will have severe, permanent damage to your heart or even die. The earlier the treatment, the more likely it is that damage to your heart will be kept to a minimum. (Source: excerpt from Heart Attack: NWHIC)

Heart Attack: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Once it is clear that a person is having a heart attack, immediate treatment usually includes drugs to help open the blocked artery, get blood flowing well to the heart muscle, and keep the blood from clotting again. Other treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the amount of damage the heart may have sustained, but may involve drugs, surgery, and other procedures. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are offered in most communities to help people recover from a heart attack and reduce the chances of having another attack. (Source: excerpt from Heart Attack: NWHIC)

Heart Attack: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Exercise is good for your heart muscle and overall health. It can help you lose weight, keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, reduce stress, and lift your mood. If you participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program, you will learn how to exercise safely and regularly to strengthen your heart and body. When exercising, you will need to watch out for signs of problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling dizzy or weak, irregular heartbeats, or cold sweats. If you develop these symptoms, stop exercising and call 911 for help right away. (Source: excerpt from Heart Attack: NWHIC)

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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Heart attack

Treatments of Heart attack: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Heart attack.

Chest Pain: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
  • All patients with suspected coronary artery disease should initially be treated with supplemental O2, aspirin, and nitroglycerin; morphine may be added if pain does not subside
  • If an acute myocardial infarction is suspected, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, heparin (usually low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin), thrombolytic therapy or primary angioplasty (PTCA), and/or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (e.g., eptifibatide, abciximab, or tirofiban) may be indicated
  • Treat other etiologies as appropriate (e.g., antiarrhythmics and/or cardioversion for arrhythmias, pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade, H2 blockers or PPIs for GERD and peptic ulcer disease, antibiotics for pneumonia, bronchodilators and steroids for asthma)
  • Emergent surgery for aortic dissections that involve the aortic arch proximal to left subclavian artery (type A); strict blood pressure control for type B dissections that only involve the aorta distal to left subclavian artery

    • » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

    Chest Pain: Treatment
    (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • Most patients/families with chest pain simply want reassurance that symptoms are not cardiac in origin
    • A careful history and physical exam are most important; however, a normal CXR and ECG provide therapeutic reassurance to the patient/family
    • Further cardiology consultation is rarely required but should be considered with patients experiencing chest pain with exercise, a history of Kawasaki disease, Marfan syndrome (this is an emergency), and for those patients with persistent chest pain
    • Costochondritis: Treated with NSAIDs until resolved
    • Pericarditis: Treated with aspirin or NSAIDs; requires cardiology follow-up until resolved, rarely requires pericardiocentesis
    • Appropriate therapy of identified pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or musculoskeletal problems

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Chest pain: Emergency interventions
    (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

    Ask the patient when his chest pain began. Did it develop suddenly or gradually? Is it more severe or frequent now than when it first started? Does anything relieve the pain? Does anything aggravate the pain? Ask the patient about associated symptoms. Sudden, severe chest pain requires prompt evaluation and treatment because it may herald a life-threatening disorder. (See Managing severe chest pain, pages 134 and 135.)

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

    Myocardial infarction: Treatment (Tx)
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    Thrombolytic therapy, oxygen, nitroglycerin or angioplasty (or both)

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Coronary artery disease: Treatment
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    The goal of treatment in patients with angina is to either reduce myocardial oxygen demand or increase oxygen supply. Therapy consists primarily of nitrates such as nitroglycerin (given sublingually, orally, transdermally, or topically in ointment form) to dilate coronary arteries and improve blood supply to the heart. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors and antithrombin drugs may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots. Beta-adrenergic blockers may be used to decrease heart rate and lower the heart’s oxygen use. Calcium channel blockers may be used to relax the coronary arteries and all systemic arteries, reducing the heart’s workload. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, or other medications may be used to lower blood pressure.

    Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may be performed during cardiac catheterization to compress fatty deposits and relieve occlusion in patients with no calcification and partial occlusion. PTCA carries a certain risk but its morbidity is lower than that for surgery. (See Relieving occlusions with angioplasty, pages 1098 and 1099.)Laser angioplasty corrects occlusion by vaporizing fatty deposits. In addition, a stent may be placed in the artery to act as a scaffold to hold the artery open. Another procedure is rotational atherectomy, which removes arterial plaque with a high-speed burr. Obstructive lesions may necessitate coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and the use of vein grafts.

    A surgical technique available as an alternative to traditional CABG surgery is minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery, also known as “keyhole” surgery. This procedure requires a shorter recovery period and has fewer postoperative complications. Instead of sawing open the patient’s sternum and spreading the ribs apart, several small cuts are made in the torso through which small surgical instruments and fiber-optic cameras are inserted. This procedure was initially designed to correct blockages in just one or two easily reached arteries; it may not be suitable for more complicated cases.

    Coronary brachytherapy, which involves delivering beta or gamma radiation into the coronary arteries, may be used in patients who’ve undergone stent implantation in a coronary artery but then developed such problems as diffuse in-stent restenosis. Brachytherapy is a promising technique, but its use is restricted to the treatment of stent-related problems because of complications and the unknown long-term effects of the radiation. However, in some facilities, brachytherapy is being studied as a first-line treatment of coronary disease.

    Because CAD is so widespread, prevention is of incalculable importance. Dietary restrictions aimed at reducing intake of calories (in obesity) and salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol serve to minimize the risk, especially when supplemented with regular exercise. Abstention from smoking and stress reduction are also beneficial. Other preventive actions include control of hypertension, control of elevated serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels (with antilipemics), and measures to minimize platelet aggregation and the danger of blood clots (with aspirin or other antiplatelet agents).

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Chest pain: Emergency interventions
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Ask the patient when his chest pain began. Did it develop suddenly or gradually? Is it more severe or frequent now than when it first started? Does anything relieve the pain? Does anything aggravate it? Ask the patient about associated symptoms. Sudden, severe chest pain requires prompt evaluation and treatment because it may herald a life-threatening disorder. (See Managing severe chest pain, pages 162 and 163.)

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

    Myocardial infarction: Treatment
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    The goals of treatment are to relieve chest pain, to stabilize heart rhythm, to reduce cardiac workload, to revascularize the coronary artery, and to preserve myocardial tissue. Arrhythmias, the predominant problem during the first 48 hours after the infarction, may require an antiarrhythmic, possibly a pacemaker and, rarely, cardioversion.

    To preserve myocardial tissue, I.V. thrombolytic therapy should be started within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms (unless contraindications exist). Thrombolytic therapy includes either streptokinase or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and is usually followed by I.V. infusion of heparin.

    Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may be another option. If PTCA is performed soon after the onset of symptoms, the thrombolytic agent may be administered directly into the coronary artery. Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary in some cases.

    Other treatments include:

    ❑ antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, to inhibit platelet aggregation (should be initiated within 24 hours after onset of symptoms)

    ❑ sublingual or I.V. nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, to relieve pain by redistributing blood to ischemic areas of the myocardium, thus increasing cardiac output and reducing myocardial workload

    ❑ morphine I.V. for pain and sedation

    ❑ bed rest with bedside commode to decrease cardiac workload

    ❑ oxygen administration at a modest flow rate for 3 to 6 hours (a lower concentration is necessary if the patient has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

    ❑ drugs to increase myocardial contractility or blood pressure

    ❑ pulmonary artery catheterization to detect left- or right-sided heart failure and to monitor the patient’s response to treatment

    ❑ angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to improve survival rate in a low ejection fraction (a large anterior-wall MI).

    Other medications, such as antiarrhythmics, diuretics, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel blockers, are used as needed.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Coronary artery disease: Treatment
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    The goal of treatment in patients with angina is to either reduce myocardial oxygen demand or increase oxygen supply. Therapy consists primarily of nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (given sublingually, orally, transdermally, or topically in ointment form), isosorbide dinitrate (given sublingually or orally), beta-adrenergic blockers (given orally), or calcium channel blockers (given orally). Obstructive lesions may necessitate coronary artery bypass surgery and the use of vein grafts.

    Angioplasty may be performed during cardiac catheterization to compress fatty deposits and relieve occlusion in patients with no calcification and partial occlusion. (See Relieving occlusions with angioplasty.) A certain risk is associated with this procedure, but its morbidity is lower than that for surgery. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty may be done in combination with coronary stenting. Stents provide a framework to hold an artery open by securing flaps of tunica media and intima against the artery wall.

    UNDER STUDY: Therapeutic angiogenesis is a promising treatment for ischemic heart disease, especially in patients who aren’t candidates for revascularisation. Protein-based therapy with fibroblastic growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor has produced significant angiogenesis in animal models. The increased perfusion to the ischemic myocardium relieved symptoms and improved cardiac function.

    Prevention

    Because CAD is so widespread, prevention is of incalculable importance. Dietary restrictions aimed at reducing intake of calories (in obesity) and of dietary fats and cholesterol serve to minimize the risk, especially when supplemented with regular exercise. Abstention from smoking and reduction of stress are also beneficial.

    Other preventive actions include control of hypertension (with sympathetic blocking agents, such as methyldopa and propranolol, or diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide), control of elevated serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels (with antilipemics, such as HMG-reductase inhibitors, pravastatin sodium, or simvastatin), and measures to minimize platelet aggregation and the danger of blood clots (with aspirin).

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Chest pain: Nursing considerations
    (Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

    As needed, prepare the patient for cardiopulmonary studies, such as an ECG and a lung scan. Perform a venipuncture to collect a serum sample for cardiac enzyme and other studies. Assess the cardiovascular system frequently. Interpret changes in cardiac rhythm. Be prepared for emergency procedures.

    Keep in mind that a patient with chest pain may deny his discomfort, so stress the importance of reporting symptoms to allow adjustment of his treatment.

    Patient teaching

    Explain the purpose and procedure of each diagnostic test to the patient to help alleviate his anxiety. Prepare him if cardiac catheterization or fibrinolytic therapy is indicated. Explain the purpose of any prescribed drugs and make sure that he understands the dosage, schedule, and possible adverse effects. Teach the patient with coronary artery disease to recognize the typical features of cardiac ischemia as well as symptoms that require prompt medical attention. Teach him how to administer sublingual nitroglycerin and advise him to seek medical attention if the pain lasts more than 20 minutes, fails to respond to nitroglycerin, or has a different pattern than the usual angina.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

    Chest pain: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Teach patients with coronary artery disease about the typical features of cardiac ischemia as well as the symptoms that should prompt them to seek medical attention. If the pain fails to disappear after sublingual nitroglycerin, lasts more than 20 minutes, or has a different pattern from the usual angina, the patient must be evaluated immediately.

    Explain the purpose and procedure of each diagnostic test to the patient to help alleviate his anxiety. Also explain the purpose of any prescribed drugs, and make sure that the patient understands the dosage, schedule, and possible adverse effects.

    Keep in mind that a patient with chest pain may deny his discomfort, so stress the importance of reporting symptoms to allow adjustment of his treatment.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

    Pulse, absent or weak: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Teach the patient how to check his pulse. Advise him to call his health care provider if he has difficulty palpating or is unable to palpate a pulse. Explain the importance of following a low-sodium diet and maintaining fluid restrictions, if necessary. Discuss signs and symptoms of fluid overload to report to the health care provider. Teach the patient to avoid activities that reduce circulation, such as prolonged sitting and crossing the legs.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

    Chest pain: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Prepare the patient for cardiopulmonary studies, such as an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and a lung perfusion scan.

    ▪ Collect a serum sample for cardiac enzyme and electrolyte levels.

    ▪ Provide emotional support because chest pain produces increased anxiety.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the purpose and procedure of each diagnostic test to the patient to help alleviate his anxiety.

    ▪ Teach the patient about the cause of his chest pain once a diagnosis is established.

    ▪ Explain the purpose of any prescribed drugs, and make sure that the patient understands the dosage, schedule, and possible adverse effects.

    ▪ Stress the importance of reporting symptoms to allow for the adjustment of treatment.

    ▪ Teach the patient with coronary artery disease about the typical features of cardiac ischemia as well as the symptoms that should prompt him to seek immediate medical attention.

    ▪ Discuss lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Pulse, absent or weak: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs to detect untoward changes in his condition.

    ▪ Monitor weight, intake and output, and central venous pressure.

    ▪ Monitor pulses and limb appearances.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the signs and symptoms that require medical attention.

    ▪ Discuss activities to avoid that reduce circulation.

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007



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