Cardiovascular diseases are sudden and dangerous. Whether emergency medications can be used correctly within the golden emergency treatment time directly affects the patients life safety. However, in reality, many people have misunderstandings about the use of cardiovascular emergency medications, and even delay the best treatment opportunity due to improper usage.
Regarding
this, Professor Zheng Yin, Vice President of Hainan Chengmei Hospital and an expert
in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, specifically reminds us that
different types of cardiovascular diseases require different emergency
medications. Blindly using medications may not only fail to achieve emergency
treatment effects but may also worsen the condition. Therefore, it is necessary
to master the correct usage of emergency medications.
01
Nitroglycerin
"Life-saving medication" for angina attacks
Professor Zheng Yin explained that nitroglycerin is a commonly used emergency medication for patients with coronary heart disease experiencing acute episodes of angina pectoris. It works by releasing nitric oxide, relaxing vascular smooth muscles, and particularly dilating coronary arteries and peripheral veins, thereby increasing myocardial blood supply and reducing cardiac load, thus alleviating angina pectoris. Due to its clear target of action and onset within 1-3 minutes, it is internationally recognized as the first-choice emergency medication.
Applicable crowd and scenarios
Applicable population: Priority for those diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Applicable scenarios: Use when there is crushing chest pain or oppressive sensation in the precordium, which may radiate to the left shoulder, inner side of the left arm, etc., suspected of being an episode of angina pectoris, and after excluding contraindications such as hypotension and glaucoma.
Instructions for use
Sublingual administration: Adults should take 0.5 mg (approximately 1 tablet) by placing it under the tongue and allowing it to dissolve naturally. The medication takes effect within 1-3 minutes, and for some patients, it takes effect within 5 minutes. Avoid swallowing the tablet.
Aerosol: Remove the spray cap, invert the medicine bottle, aim the nozzle at the sublingual mucosa of the mouth, and spray 1-2 pumps (equivalent to 0.5-1mg of nitroglycerin).
Precautions
Prohibited for: Those with blood pressure lower than 90/60mmHg, those who have recently taken "Viagra", patients with severe anemia, glaucoma, intracranial hypertension, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe liver and kidney dysfunction; pregnant and lactating women should use under the guidance of a doctor when necessary.
Dosage Interval and Medical Advice: If pain is not relieved after taking 1 tablet, another tablet can be taken after 5 minutes, with a maximum of 3 consecutive tablets. If pain persists after 3 tablets, call 120 immediately, as acute myocardial infarction may be present.
Medication posture: Try to take a sitting or semi-reclining position to avoid sudden drop in blood pressure caused by standing and taking the medication orally, which may lead to dizziness and syncope. Alternatively, taking the medication orally while lying down may increase the burden on the heart and affect the efficacy of the medication.
Storage and Inspection: Store in a brown, light-proof medicine bottle, protect from moisture and light, and replace periodically. Do not use if the tablet color becomes darker, spots appear, or the solution changes color or precipitates.
02
Instant Heart-Saving Pill
"A good helper" for emergency treatment with traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations
Suxiaojiuxin Pills are made from traditional Chinese medicines such as Ligusticum Chuanxiong and Borneol, and have the effects of promoting qi circulation, activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and alleviating pain. They are suitable for emergency treatment of coronary heart disease with angina pectoris of qi stagnation and blood stasis type. However, their mechanism of action lacks large-scale evidence-based medical support, and their onset speed and stability are weaker than those of nitroglycerin. Nevertheless, they have a lower threshold and are commonly used for patients who have not been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or cannot use nitroglycerin (such as those with hypotension or drug conflicts).
When using quick-acting heart-relieving pills, the following points should be noted:
Applicable scenarios
It can be used when premonitory symptoms of angina pectoris such as chest tightness and chest pain occur, or during acute attacks. It can also be taken preventively before the onset of angina pectoris (such as when induced factors like emotional excitement, fatigue, or cold stimulation occur) to reduce the risk of attacks.
Instructions for use
The medication is primarily taken sublingually, with adults taking 4-6 tablets at a time. If symptoms do not improve, another 6-10 tablets can be taken 5-10 minutes later. The interval between two administrations should not be less than 5 minutes, and the total number of administrations within 24 hours should not exceed 3 (please follow the instructions in the package insert).
Precautions
Pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold (often manifested as diarrhea, cold feeling in the stomach, and intolerance to cold) should use with caution, as borneol may exacerbate the discomfort of those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold.
If symptoms do not improve after taking medication, seek medical attention promptly.
The medicine should be stored in a sealed, cool, and dry place to avoid moisture and deterioration.
03
Aspirin
"Early intervention drug" for acute myocardial infarction
Aspirin has the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation. When administered in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction, it can effectively prevent the expansion of thrombus and reduce mortality. However, the timing and dosage of its emergency use must be strictly controlled.
Applicable scenarios
When experiencing persistent chest pain lasting for more than 20 minutes, which does not subside after rest or nitroglycerin administration, and acute myocardial infarction is highly suspected, one should first call the emergency number 120, and then chew and swallow 300mg of aspirin as soon as possible under the guidance of a doctor. ("Doctors guidance" can be obtained by consulting a doctor on the emergency number 120, or if the patient has a clear history of coronary heart disease and no medication contraindications, aspirin can be used during the waiting period for emergency treatment according to previous medical advice.)
Instructions for use
During emergency treatment, chew and swallow the medication to expedite its absorption and onset of action.
Precautions
Prohibited population: Individuals with a history of aspirin allergy, active gastrointestinal ulcer, cerebral hemorrhage, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe hepatic or renal insufficiency are prohibited from using this product.
Clear positioning: Aspirin is only an auxiliary measure for emergency treatment of acute myocardial infarction and cannot replace professional medical treatment. It must be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Medication observation: After taking the medication, closely monitor for any signs of bleeding tendencies such as gingival bleeding and black stool, as well as gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting.
Drug inspection: It is recommended to inspect the drugs once a month. If any deterioration such as discoloration, deliquescence, unusual odor, or capsule deformation is observed, the drugs should be replaced promptly.
Important Notice
Emergency medications are only intended for temporary relief of sudden symptoms and cannot replace regularly taken basic medications for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and antiplatelet therapy. Patients still need to follow their doctors advice for daily standardized treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after medication, they should immediately call 120 for medical attention.
Expert Introduction
Zheng Yin, Chief Physician
Vice President, Professor
Supervisor of masters degree candidates, scholar studying in the United States
Outstanding experts with exceptional contributions in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases as well as geriatric diseases. Provides cardiac rehabilitation for patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, metabolic syndrome, post-stent implantation, and post-bypass surgery, including guidance on medication, exercise, nutrition, and sleep disorders.
Article | Huang Fei