Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Immediate management of myocardial infarction (MI) with vomiting and dizziness:
- Administer a single loading dose of 300 mg aspirin as soon as possible unless there is a clear allergy, to reduce further clot formation NICE CG95,NICE NG185,Products.
- Offer pain relief promptly, preferably intravenous opioids such as morphine, especially if acute MI is suspected NICE CG95.
- Do not routinely give oxygen; only provide supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is below 94% (or 88-92% in COPD patients) and monitor oxygen saturation continuously NICE CG95.
- Arrange urgent transfer to hospital for further assessment including a 12-lead ECG and blood tests for troponin to confirm diagnosis and guide reperfusion therapy NICE CG95,NICE NG185.
- For vomiting, consider antiemetic treatment with ondansetron, which is licensed for nausea and vomiting and safe in cardiac patients Products.
- Dizziness may be due to hypotension or arrhythmia; monitor vital signs closely and manage haemodynamic instability accordingly in hospital NICE CG95. Avoid medications that may worsen hypotension or bradycardia without specialist advice.
- Continuous monitoring of pulse, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and oxygen saturation is essential until definitive treatment is initiated NICE CG95.
Summary: Start aspirin and pain relief immediately, monitor oxygen saturation and vital signs, treat vomiting symptomatically with ondansetron, and urgently transfer the patient to hospital for ECG, troponin testing, and reperfusion therapy as indicated. Dizziness requires close monitoring and supportive care to manage potential haemodynamic compromise NICE CG95,NICE NG185,Products.
Key References
- CG95 - Recent-onset chest pain of suspected cardiac origin: assessment and diagnosis
- Bivalirudin SmPC
- CKS - MI - secondary prevention
- Diltiazem hydrochloride SmPC
- NG185 - Acute coronary syndromes
- Aspirin SmPC
- CKS - Chest pain
- Verapamil hydrochloride SmPC
- CKS - Vertigo
- Ondansetron SmPC
- Amiodarone hydrochloride SmPC
- Flecainide acetate SmPC
- Magnesium sulfate SmPC