From the Guidelines
A patient education pamphlet on chest pain should prioritize information on recognizing emergency symptoms, such as crushing pain or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, and emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention by calling 9-1-1, as recommended by the 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR guideline 1.
Key Components of the Pamphlet
The pamphlet should include the following key components:
- A clear distinction between emergency symptoms that require immediate attention and less urgent symptoms
- Information on cardiac versus non-cardiac causes of chest pain, explaining that while heart attacks cause severe, crushing pain, conditions like acid reflux, muscle strain, or anxiety can also cause chest discomfort
- Guidance on risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history, and obesity
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium, regular exercise (aim for 150 minutes weekly of moderate activity), stress management techniques, smoking cessation, and medication adherence
- An explanation of common cardiac medications, such as aspirin (81-325mg daily), nitroglycerin (0.4mg sublingual as needed for angina), and statins, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association 1
Importance of Early Identification and Exclusion of Life-Threatening Causes
The pamphlet should emphasize the importance of early identification and exclusion of life-threatening causes of chest pain, as highlighted in the 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR guideline 1. This includes using high-sensitivity cardiac troponins as the preferred standard for establishing a biomarker diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, allowing for more accurate detection and exclusion of myocardial injury.
Patient Engagement and Shared Decision-Making
The pamphlet should also encourage patient engagement and shared decision-making, providing information about the risk of adverse events, radiation exposure, costs, and alternative options, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association 1. This will facilitate informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers, ultimately improving health outcomes through education and appropriate response to symptoms.
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 guidelines:
- Determine the target audience and their level of health literacy 2, 3
- Provide clear and concise information on the causes of chest pain, including cardiac and non-cardiac causes 4, 3
- Explain the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen 5, 6
- Describe the diagnostic process, including the use of electrocardiography, stress testing, and imaging studies 2, 3
- Discuss the different treatment options available, depending on the underlying cause of the chest pain 5, 6
Key Components of the Pamphlet
The pamphlet should include the following key components:
- Definition and explanation of chest pain, including its different types and causes 4, 3
- Risk factors for coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome 2, 3
- Symptoms and warning signs of a heart attack or other serious conditions 4, 5
- Steps to take if experiencing chest pain, including calling emergency services and seeking medical attention 5, 6
- Information on lifestyle changes and preventive measures to reduce the risk of chest pain and heart disease 3
Considerations for Patient Education
When creating the pamphlet, consider the following:
- Use simple and clear language, avoiding medical jargon and technical terms whenever possible 2, 3
- Include visual aids, such as diagrams and illustrations, to help explain complex concepts 4, 6
- Provide resources and references for further information and support 5, 3
- Ensure the pamphlet is culturally sensitive and accessible to a diverse range of patients 2, 3