Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a severe complication of coronary heart disease (CHD) and a direct cause of CHD-related mortality. With timely and effective treatment, myocardial infarction can be fully controlled. However, after discharge, patients must adhere to medication regimens and strengthen daily care to prevent recurrence of serious complications.
Associate Professor Li Guoqiang, Chief Physician of the Cardiovascular Department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, stated in an interview that acute myocardial infarction is highly insidious. Overwork, excessive alcohol consumption, and extreme emotional fluctuations are major triggers. Patients may experience life-threatening arrhythmias, shortness of breath, and even sudden death.Therefore, when patients experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, new-onset symptoms, or profuse sweating, immediate first aid should be administered followed by emergency hospital treatment to minimize the harm caused by an acute myocardial infarction.
So, what should you do if an acute myocardial infarction occurs?
1.Immediately lie flat on your back
Remain calm during an acute myocardial infarction. Have the patient lie flat on their back to ensure unobstructed breathing. Loosen their belt and unbutton their chest area to prevent excessive movement or exertion. If the patient vomits, tilt their head to one side and clear their mouth to prevent airway obstruction. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually for rapid cardiac relief.Do not move the patient without proper medical guidance. If breathing is weak, the patient is unconscious, or lips turn blue-purple, immediately perform chest compressions and artificial respiration for emergency rescue.
2. Administer emergency medication
During an acute myocardial infarction, those nearby should continuously call out to the patient to prevent unconsciousness and keep them relaxed.If possible, check the patient's belongings for medication and place one rescue pill under their tongue. Press your finger on the patient's philtrum to gently raise their eyebrows.
Medications like aspirin should be chewed based on the patient's specific condition at onset, but avoid if they have bleeding disorders.Remind elderly individuals to keep emergency medications like aspirin, nitroglycerin, and oxygen readily available at home for unexpected situations. 3. Immediately call 120 In cases of sudden acute myocardial infarction, do not attempt to go to the hospital yourself. Call 120 emergency services immediately! Upon arrival, professional medical personnel will administer emergency care.Once the patient's condition stabilizes and meets transport criteria, expedite hospital admission for further examination and treatment to prevent recurrence, worsening, or sudden death.
Additionally, it's crucial to recognize that 1–2 days before a myocardial infarction, angina episodes may gradually increase in frequency. Medications for angina may become less effective, and patients may experience intense pain under the sternum.At this stage, do not take it lightly. Seek prompt examination at a reputable hospital. This enables early detection and timely intervention.
Through this detailed explanation, you should now understand how to respond to a sudden myocardial infarction. Beyond this, it is crucial to implement preventive measures and carry emergency medications to prepare for unexpected events.