Understanding Emergency Medications for Myocardial Infarction

1. What is Myocardial Infarction?

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a condition where blood supply to the heart muscle is insufficient, causing damage and necrosis to a region of the myocardium. The condition for the formation of a myocardial infarction is due to atherosclerotic plaques narrowing the coronary artery lumen; a few cases are due to pure vasospasm. Additionally, thrombosis (blood clots) also obstructs the vessel lumen causing myocardial infarction. This is a serious medical emergency requiring timely intervention.

2. Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction

• Severe chest pain, often feeling like squeezing or tightness.

• Pain radiating to the left arm, back, neck, or jaw.

• Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea.

3. Emergency Medications for Myocardial Infarction

In principle, for myocardial infarction, the patient must be immediately transported to a hospital level equipped for intensive care and emergency treatment. When transporting, move gently and keep the patient immobile on a stretcher. Reassure the patient and do not allow the patient to move, even slightly. Administer continuous oxygen at 2-4 liters/minute via a nasal cannula. Note that in cases where blood oxygen saturation is above 90%, only administer oxygen for the first few hours.

The use of emergency medications in MI aims to quickly re-establish blood flow to the heart and minimize damage. The main types of drugs include analgesics, anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and heart rhythm regulators:

• Promedol: Helps with pain relief; morphine sulfate or dolargan can be used.

• Aspirin: Helps reduce the risk of blood clot formation by thinning the blood and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Heparin is used for the prophylaxis of mural thrombosis.

• Thrombolytics (Fibrinolytics): Such as alteplase, help break down blood clots.

• Antiplatelet agents: Such as clopidogrel, support the prevention of platelet aggregation.

• Beta-blockers: Help reduce heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the burden on the heart.

• ACE inhibitors: Help reduce pressure in the cardiovascular system, protecting the heart.

4. Notes on Using Emergency Medications for Myocardial Infarction

Medication use must follow the doctor's prescription and be based on the patient's specific condition. It is necessary to quickly take the patient to a medical facility for timely treatment. The top priority treatment for the patient is pain relief. Analgesics need to be administered immediately at the time of diagnosis. Morphine sulfate provides effective pain relief; additionally, the drug can increase venous capacity and reduce vascular resistance due to its vasodilatory capabilities. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. When symptoms of myocardial infarction occur, you need to:

• Call for emergency help immediately: If there are symptoms of myocardial infarction, call emergency number 115 immediately.

• Use Aspirin: If available, chew one aspirin tablet (300 mg) to thin the blood. Do not use aspirin if the patient is allergic to the drug.

• Follow Medical Instructions: Monitor and follow the instructions of medical personnel when taken to the hospital.

5. Prevention of Myocardial Infarction

• Maintain a healthy diet, minimizing foods high in saturated fats.

• Exercise regularly, reduce stress.

• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

• Do not smoke and limit alcohol consumption.

Myocardial infarction is an emergency condition that needs timely intervention. Understanding emergency medications and proper handling can save the patient's life. Hopefully, this article helps you better understand emergency medications in the case of myocardial infarction and the importance of recognizing symptoms in time.