How to Provide Emergency Aid for a Heart Attack

Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
Updated on October 20, 2024
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The cause of coronary heart disease is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart and resulting in symptoms. Therefore, the emergency treatment for a coronary event often involves the use of medications that dilate the coronary arteries to alleviate the symptoms of myocardial ischemia. Commonly used nitrate medications taken sublingually can quickly relieve symptoms of angina. The significance of nitrates lies in their ability to release nitric oxide donors, which can effectively dilate the coronary arteries. This dilation improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and thus corrects symptoms of myocardial ischemia. During an attack, considering sublingual nitrate medication is advisable, provided there is no history of severe hypotension from nitrates, or if there is no hypotension during the attack, under these circumstances, this type of medication can be considered. If any of the above contraindications exist, such as low blood pressure, one might also consider sublingual administration of some traditional Chinese medicine preparations, like emergency pills, which can be used as well.

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How to prevent coronary heart disease in its early stages

Coronary heart disease is caused by a variety of reasons leading to arteriosclerosis of cardiac vessels or narrowing, resulting in insufficient cardiac blood supply. Common risk factors for coronary heart disease include older age, smoking, high blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, among others. Generally, aging is unavoidable, but we can prevent the progression of coronary heart disease by quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels. It is also important to control weight, reduce the intake of fatty foods, improve lifestyle, exercise regularly, keep a regular schedule, and avoid excessive fatigue. These are the methods for the early prevention of coronary heart disease, and medication may be necessary when needed.

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Can people with coronary heart disease drink alcohol?

Coronary heart disease, strictly speaking, should not involve alcohol consumption because its risk factors include age, gender, family history, abnormal blood lipids, drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. Additionally, excessive drinking can easily exacerbate coronary heart disease and provoke heart attacks. However, consuming small amounts occasionally might not immediately trigger or worsen a cardiac incident. Therefore, if you must drink, it is advised to do so in moderation and primarily choose red wine.

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What foods are suitable for coronary heart disease?

Patients with coronary heart disease should eat light, easily digestible foods, opt for low-salt and low-fat options, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as wheat, oats, and buckwheat, can also be eaten in moderation. Avoid foods high in animal fats and cholesterol, as well as salt-rich preserved items. In addition to dietary adjustments, patients with coronary heart disease should engage in reasonable exercise, effectively control their weight, maintain a good psychological state, and avoid overwork and staying up late, ensuring ample sleep at night. It is important to actively control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol, provide long-term standardized medication treatment for coronary heart disease, and maintain stability of the condition.

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What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?

Some coronary heart disease patients have asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, and many may not exhibit clear symptoms of angina. Some patients can show signs of angina, with typical symptoms being a pressing pain in the anterior chest area or feelings of suffocation and shortness of breath, primarily located behind the sternum, or radiating to the precordial area and left upper limb, as well as the left side of the back. These symptoms often occur under common triggers such as physical exertion, emotional stress, overeating, or exposure to cold. If it is angina, it generally lasts less than 30 minutes and can be alleviated by rest or taking sublingual nitroglycerin. Some patients who experience a heart attack may have pain in the same areas, but the nature and duration of the pain will be significantly increased, and nitroglycerin may be less effective.

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Does coronary heart disease spread?

Coronary heart disease is not contagious; it is not classified as an infectious disease. It is a type of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. It is a common condition encountered frequently in clinical settings. It occurs due to arteriosclerosis and plaque formation, which leads to narrowing of the arteries, causing ischemia and hypoxia in the heart and resulting in corresponding clinical symptoms.