What is the role of morphine in acute left heart failure?
Disease description:
My grandmother has developed acute left heart failure. The doctor prescribed some morphine, but I’m unfamiliar with it—what is its role in treating acute left heart failure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Man
Morphine can effectively alleviate acute left-sided heart failure. During an acute episode, patients often experience anxiety and agitation, which can elevate blood pressure and increase heart rate, thereby exacerbating heart failure and making the condition more difficult to control. Morphine’s sedative effect helps relieve patient anxiety, while simultaneously promoting vasodilation, reducing venous return, and decreasing both preload and afterload on the heart.
