Can morphine be used for acute heart failure?

In general, whether morphine can be used in patients with acute heart failure depends on the specific clinical condition. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Morphine may be administered under medical supervision for patients with acute heart failure who experience severe dyspnea and restlessness, provided there are no contraindications to morphine use. Morphine dilates blood vessels, thereby reducing cardiac load, and exerts a central sedative effect that alleviates anxiety, improves ventilation, and helps stabilize the patient's breathing. Dosage must be strictly controlled, and close monitoring of respiration and blood pressure is essential to ensure safe and effective use.

Morphine is absolutely contraindicated in patients with severe respiratory depression, hypotension, coma, bronchial asthma, or a history of morphine allergy. Morphine suppresses the respiratory center and may worsen ventilatory impairment; its use in hypotensive patients could lead to circulatory collapse, while allergic reactions may result in life-threatening complications. If any adverse effects occur, the suspected drug should be discontinued immediately and alternative treatment strategies implemented.

In daily management, patients should remain at bed rest in a semi-recumbent position to reduce cardiac workload. A light, low-salt diet is recommended, along with restricted fluid intake. Close observation of heart rate and urine output is necessary, and any abnormalities should be promptly reported to the physician.