1. How Nitrates Help Cardiac Patients
Nitrates are a class of drugs used to treat cardiac patients and cardiac pain. The most well known type of nitrate is the nitroglycerin pill that's placed under the tongue and used to relieve the pain of angina. Nitrate liquids work faster than the pills and are used in cardiac surgery and many cardiac procedures. Nitrates work by dilating the blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood pressure and the workload on your heart. Circulation to the heart is increased because the blood vessels have been enlarged by the nitrate, allowing more blood to flow. There is no standard dosage for nitrate, every person will have a titrated dosage. Titrated dosages are increased or decreased based on age, weight, blood pressure, degree of pain and overall physical condition. The dosage may need to be increased if you've already been taking nitrate, because the body tends to build up a tolerance to it.
2. Different Forms of Liquid Nitrate
Liquid nitrate is administered by IV to some patients during heart surgery or heart procedures like cardiac catherizations. Nitrate that is administered during surgery helps to stabilize blood pressure in those patients with hypertension. Some patients may also be given liquid nitrate by IV in the immediate time following a heart attack. Because liquid nitrate works so quickly, the patient must be monitored by health professionals. Another form of nitrate liquid is the inhaled version called nitroglycerin lingual spray. Nitroglycerin lingual spray is used to treat the chest pain caused by angina. Because angina can happen at anytime, most people carry the spray with them. Many doctors also recommend using the spray prophylactically 10 minutes before any strenuous exercise. The spray comes in metered doses, much like an inhalant for asthma. To use the lingual spray, the patient is directed to sit down at the first sign of chest pain and spray one or two metered doses directly on or under the tongue. Immediately close the mouth after using the spray and try to avoid swallowing if possible. Because the nitrate spray is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, it's important to avoid inhaling it. The spray should start working within one to three minutes, but if you experience no relief after five minutes, use another metered dose. You can use the nitrate spray up to three times, with a five minute interval between. If you don't experience relief after the third dose, call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately.
3. Beware of Side Effects
Nitrate liquids, especially nitrate injections, are very fast acting and can cause dangerous side effects. After the medical professional has infused the nitrate, inform them immediately if you feel weak, dizzy, develop heart palpitations or headache or feel light-headed. These can be symptoms of sudden low blood pressure (hypotension) or an adverse reaction.
Member Comments