Morphine Use In Heart Attacks

[ChatterAlly]

I have been given Morphine in the hospitals during my heart attacks, and most recently was given Morphine quite frequently.  I was told last April, the reason they were giving me Morphine at short intervals is because it "oxygenates" the heart.  As long as I had the chest pains they were administering the Morphine at 30 minute intervals.  I protested the frequent use, but was told it was for that reason I was being given that much.  Now I am reading articles that say that patients that are given Morphine during a heart attack actually have a higher risk of death.  I know in my case, that as soon as the Morphine was injected through my IV I felt chest pressure.  Any thoughts on this?  Should I refuse this if it comes up again?  Thanks, Ally

[Flycaster305]

I was given Morphine to ease the pain after a difficult stenting procedure, and immediately developed body-covering hives, couldn't get my breath and the blood vessel used for the IV shut down.  I was given a drug immediately to neutralize the condition.  Since then, I'm given a bracelet when in the hospital to warn against it's use, and I wear a MedAlert necklace.  You seem very alert to your symptoms, and I'd consider at least discussing the need to eliminate it's use.

[kenkeith]

Morphine is the best medfication to relieve pain and reduces anxiety. The oxygenated effect may be due to the dilation of blood vessels and better circulation of blood/oxygen.  also the beneficial effect of morphine in patients with pulmonary edema as in CHF is, also, unequivocal.

The danger or risk associated with a heart attack may be the result of decreased blood pressure and a slow down in the heart rate and that could add negative factors to an already stressed heart under some circumstances.

It seems it is not considered a risk for serious side effects when vitals are monitored in hospital setting.