From the Guidelines
A chest pain teaching pamphlet should prioritize clear and concise information on recognizing emergency symptoms, such as crushing pain or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, and instruct patients to call 911 immediately if they experience these symptoms. The pamphlet should be based on the latest guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, as outlined in the 2021 guideline for the evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain 1.
Key Components of the Pamphlet
- Information on different types of chest pain, including cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal sources
- A simple flowchart to help patients assess their symptoms and determine when to seek emergency care
- Medication information, such as nitroglycerin usage (0.4mg sublingual tablet, may repeat every 5 minutes up to 3 doses if pain persists) and aspirin (325mg chewed immediately for suspected heart attack)
- Lifestyle modification guidance, including smoking cessation, heart-healthy diet, stress management techniques, and appropriate exercise recommendations
- Space for patients to record their medications and emergency contact information
Importance of Clear Language and Visual Aids
The pamphlet should use simple language and include visual aids to help patients understand the information and take action when necessary. This is particularly important for patients who may be experiencing anxiety or stress related to their symptoms. By providing clear and concise information, the pamphlet can help reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life for patients with chest pain 1.
Clinical Decision Pathways
The pamphlet should also include information on clinical decision pathways for chest pain, as outlined in the 2021 guideline 1. This can help patients understand the process of diagnosis and treatment, and make informed decisions about their care. By prioritizing patient education and empowerment, the pamphlet can help improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Guidelines for Creating a Patient Education Pamphlet on Chest Pain
When creating a patient education pamphlet on chest pain, it is essential to consider the following key points:
- The pamphlet should emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are present, such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that may indicate a heart attack 2, 3.
- The pamphlet should outline the potential causes of chest pain, including life-threatening conditions such as ACS, and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment 2, 4, 5.
- It should provide information on the initial evaluation and management of chest pain, including the use of electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin testing, as well as the potential benefits and risks of self-administering aspirin for acute chest pain 2, 6, 5.
- The pamphlet should discuss the different diagnostic tests that may be used to evaluate chest pain, such as exercise stress testing, coronary computed tomography angiography, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and the importance of follow-up care 4, 5.
- It should also provide information on other potential causes of chest pain, such as chest wall pain or costochondritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and panic disorder or anxiety states, and the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen 5.
Key Components of the Pamphlet
The pamphlet should include the following key components:
- A clear and concise explanation of the potential causes of chest pain and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms of ACS are present.
- Information on the initial evaluation and management of chest pain, including the use of ECG and troponin testing.
- A discussion of the different diagnostic tests that may be used to evaluate chest pain and the importance of follow-up care.
- Information on other potential causes of chest pain and the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Contact information for emergency services and local healthcare providers in case of an emergency 2, 3, 5.