Acute MI: How to avoid pitfalls in medical therapy

Jr Brady, A. D. Perron, R. Riviello

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Aspirin significantly reduces mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and can be given to all such patients except those with aspirin allergy or GI bleeding. Heparin is recommended for most patients with acute infarction except those with ongoing, life-threatening hemorrhage or a predisposition to hemorrhage. β-Blockers reduce catechol-induced tachycardia, increased contractility, and myocardial oxygen demand. Give them to all patients with acute MI except those who have pulmonary edema or other manifestations of acute congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, atrioventricular nodal blockade, bradycardia, or systemic hypotension. Sustained polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia requires immediate unsynchronized cardioversion at 200 to 360 J. Treatment of ventricular fibrillation consists of immediate unsynchronized cardioversion and drug therapy with lidocaine, procainamide, and/or amiodarone. In addition, use the necessary strategies to restore perfusion and improve oxygenation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1649-1652
Number of pages4
JournalConsultant
Volume41
Issue number12
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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