NURSING CARE IN
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION & ISCHEMIA
DR. MAHFUZUL ISLAM CHOWDHURY
Associate Professor
Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia & Intensive Care Medicine
Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College & Hospital
INTRODUCTION TO MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Commonly known as a heart attack
Occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle
is abruptly cut off
Causes tissue necrosis due to ischemia
Leading cause of death globally and in
Bangladesh
ETIOLOGY – OVERVIEW
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
Thrombus (blood clot)
Coronary artery spasm
Embolism
Other causes: trauma, vasculitis,
congenital anomalies
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MI
Plaque rupture or erosion → thrombus
forms
Coronary vessel occlusion reduces
oxygen supply
Cardiac muscle ischemia & necrosis
occur if not rapidly treated
CLASSIFICATION OF MI
RISK FACTORS
MODIFIABLE NON – MODIFIABLE
Smoking Age
Hypertension Male gender
Diabetes mellitus Family history
Hyperlipidemia
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor dietary patterns
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS – CHEST PAIN
Severe, unrelenting substernal pain/pressure
May radiate to left arm, jaw, back, or neck
Not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS – OTHER MANIFESTATIONS
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Diaphoresis (sweating)
Nausea, vomiting
Anxiety, a sense of impending doom
Dizziness or syncope
Women, elderly, diabetics may experience: Fatigue, Epigastric pain or
indigestion, Lightheadedness
ASYMPTOMATIC OR “SILENT” MI
More frequent in diabetics and elderly
No classic chest pain
May present as breathlessness or confusion
SYSTEMIC RESPONSES TO MI
Tachycardia
Hypotension or hypertension
Arrhythmias
Cool, clammy skin
Altered mental status (if severe)
IMMEDIATE ASSESSMENT
Check responsiveness, ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
Monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation
Record 12-lead ECG
Establish IV access
DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS
Cardiac enzymes (HS - Troponin I, CK-MB, LDH)
ECG changes (ST elevation, Q waves)
Chest X-ray (assess for heart failure, complications)
NURSING DIAGNOSIS – OVERVIEW
Acute pain related to myocardial tissue ischemia
Ineffective tissue perfusion
Risk for decreased cardiac output
Anxiety or fear
Knowledge deficit regarding MI
NURSING DIAGNOSIS – PAIN
“Chest pain related to decreased coronary perfusion”
Verbal report or pain scale assessment
Reluctance to move, facial grimacing
NURSING DIAGNOSIS – PERFUSION
Weak pulse, hypotension
Altered level of consciousness
Hypotension, tachycardia
Arrhythmias
Oliguria
Restlessness, fear, agitation
NURSING PROBLEM PRIORITIZATION
Relieve chest pain first
Restore and maintain tissue perfusion
Prevent complications (arrhythmia, shock)
Provide emotional support
NURSING INTERVENTION – RELIEVE PAIN
Administer prescribed analgesics (usually IV morphine)
Provide supplemental oxygen as ordered
Monitor for effectiveness and adverse effects
Maintain calm environment
NURSING INTERVENTION – IMPROVE OXYGENATION
Ensure airway patency
Administer oxygen per protocol
Monitor SpO₂ and respiratory status
NURSING INTERVENTION – PROMOTE CIRCULATION
Monitor vital signs, hemodynamics
Observe for arrhythmias
Prepare for rapid interventions (defibrillation, CPR) as needed
NURSING INTERVENTION – MEDICATION SUPPORT
• Administer anticoagulants/antiplatelets (as prescribed):
• Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Enoxaparin
• Streptokinase (Fibrinolytic for STEMI)
• Beta-blockers, nitrates, statins, ACE inhibitors as ordered
• Analgesics – morphine, pethidine
• Others – anti-emetics, laxatives, anti-ulcerants, anxiolytics
NURSING INTERVENTION – MONITOR LABS & ECG
Serial cardiac enzyme testing – Troponin I, CK-MB, LDH
Monitor ECG for evolving changes – ST elevation or depression
Report abnormal findings promptly
Hypercholesterolemia
NURSING INTERVENTION – REST & ACTIVITY RESTRICTION
Provide bedrest in acute phase
Restrict activity until stable
Gradually increase as tolerated
NURSING INTERVENTION – ANXIETY REDUCTION &
CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Offer reassurance, clear explanations
Encourage expression of feelings
Involve family for support
Educate patient about cardiac rehab
Encourage participation in physical activity as tolerated
Stress management and counseling
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS
• ARRHYTHMIAS
Continuous cardiac monitoring
Identify and treat abnormal rhythms promptly
• HEART FAILURE
Monitor for signs: edema, crackles, jugular venous distension
Administer prescribed diuretics, monitor fluid balance
• CARDIOGENIC SHOCK
Watch for hypotension, tachycardia, decreased urine output
Report promptly for team intervention
HEALTH EDUCATION FOR PATIENT & FAMILY
Lifestyle modification: diet, exercise, smoking cessation
Importance of medication adherence
Recognition of warning signs
DISCHARGE PLANNING
Medication instructions
Follow-up appointments
Home care and support resources
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT & MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Address depression, anxiety, post-MI psychological effects
Refer to counseling or peer support groups
Collaborate with cardiologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers
Ensure holistic patient care
NURSING ROLE IN MI PREVENTION
Community education
Screening for risk factors
Early recognition and referral Education
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Early identification & intervention are lifesaving
Pain management is a priority
Continuous monitoring for complications is crucial
Education and emotional support recovery
CONCLUSION & QUESTIONS
MI remains a critical emergency in Bangladesh
Nurses are pivotal in care and rehabilitation
Encourage questions and discussion