Aspirin or Nitroglycerin For a Heart Attack Victim?
The difference between the two drugs and when to use them
When a person is experiencing a heart attack, should you give them aspirin or nitroglycerin?
Before worrying about that question, there’s something you need to do first. If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call EMS/911 immediately.
ACT FAST!
Before you do anything else, ensure that help is coming. Paramedics can begin emergency treatment in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Early treatment for a heart attack can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle.
What causes a heart attack?
Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is usually caused by atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque on the artery walls) and is complicated by thrombosis (blood clots) in the heart vessels. Doctors must administer antithrombotic treatment as soon as possible after a heart attack. Aspirin (ASA) helps slow down the formation of clots.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack
The American Heart Association lists the following as signs that a heart attack is happening:
Chest discomfort is often a feeling of pressure or squeezing that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath
Breaking out in a cold sweat
Nausea
Lightheadedness
When to take aspirin (ASA)
Medical experts recommend that a person experiencing a heart attack chew and swallow one regular-strength (325 mg) tablet or two low-dose (81mg) tablets. People who have an allergy to aspirin or who have been told by their doctor never to take aspirin should not take it. It’s best to avoid enteric-coated tablets, as these act slowly, even if chewed.
How does aspirin help?
Aspirin is an antiplatelet. Platelets are tiny plate-shaped cell particles found in the blood, and their job is to help stop bleeding. If you cut yourself, platelets will rush to the wounded area. They become sticky and bind together in clumps to help stop the bleeding.
Should a stroke victim take aspirin?
Taking aspirin is not advised during a stroke. Although most strokes are caused by blood clots, some are caused by ruptured blood vessels. Taking aspirin could potentially make these bleeding strokes more severe. We should all learn how to recognize the symptoms of heart attack and stroke.
What’s the difference between heart attack and stroke?
A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel feeding the heart. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel that feeds the brain.
What about Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin, or “Nitro,” is a type of nitrate. Doctors usually prescribe nitrates for angina pectoris, also known as “angina.” This sudden heart-related chest pain happens because something prevents blood flow to the heart muscle.
Nitrates can prevent angina, limit the number of angina episodes a person has, relieve the pain of a current attack, or treat the symptoms of heart failure.
How nitroglycerin helps
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator. It works by widening (dilating) blood vessels, making it easier for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart. Improved blood flow means your heart doesn’t have to work so hard, and this, in turn, reduces chest pain.
How is nitroglycerin administered?
Nitroglycerin is usually administered as a sublingual (under the tongue) tablet or spray for short-term treatment. Nitrates can also be delivered through the skin via topical ointment or transdermal patches. If you don’t take the drug as prescribed, there can be severe consequences. Taking too much nitro can lead to dangerous levels of the drug in your body, overdose and death.
When to take nitroglycerin
Take nitroglycerin if prescribed. If you think you are having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Don’t take anyone else’s nitroglycerin because that could put you in more danger. Nitroglycerin is a symptom-relief medication and does not target the underlying cause of the heart attack.
Should we give aspirin or nitroglycerin to a heart attack victim?
If there is no contraindication, first aiders should help the person take aspirin rather than nitroglycerin.
Remember to call EMS/911 first and ask, “Are you allergic to aspirin?”
Please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or follow the links below.