Home First-Aid Measures for Heart Failure in the Elderly
Jun 13, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Wei
Introduction
Home Emergency Management of Heart Failure in Elderly Patients:
First, place the patient in a supine position. If possible, lower the legs to reduce venous return and thereby alleviate cardiac workload. Administer emergency medications orally—such as nitroglycerin, Su Xiao Jiu Xin Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine for acute angina), or Salvia Miltiorrhiza Dropping Pills—to improve cardiac function. Immediately call 120 (China’s emergency medical services number) to request prompt on-site professional emergency care.
If heart failure occurs at home, the patient should first be placed in a supine position. If possible, the lower limbs should be positioned in a dependent position to reduce venous return and thereby alleviate the cardiac workload. Oral emergency medications—such as nitroglycerin, SuXiao JiuXin Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine for acute angina), or Salvia miltiorrhiza dripping pills—may be administered to improve cardiac function.
Many elderly patients suffer from obstructive emphysema and impaired pulmonary function, leading to severe dyspnea that subsequently compromises cardiac function. In such cases, patients typically rest in a seated or semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate diaphragmatic descent and maximize respiratory space.
Most importantly, immediately call the emergency medical services number (120) to summon professional emergency responders to provide urgent on-site care. Subsequent decisions—whether to transfer the patient to another hospital or admit them for further inpatient treatment—will be made by the attending emergency physicians.
