Title : The effects of local heat therapy on chest pain in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Abstract:
Introduction: Chest pain is a common complaint in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS). Pharmacological pain management is associated with different side effects. This study aimed to determine the effect of local heat therapy on the chest pain in patients with ACS.
Methods: This randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on a convenience sample of 66 patients with ACS selected from coronary care unit of a hospital affiliated to Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal-sized groups, namely experimental and placebo. In Exprimental group, we administered the heat therapy every twelve hours for two subsequent days; four sessions altogether. Each heat therapy session lasted for 23 minutes. Patients in the placebo group were also treated similarly. However, the pack was warmed only to 37°C.We assessed chest pain intensity, duration and frequency as well as the need for opioid analgesic therapy both before and after the intervention. The instruments consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and a data sheet for documenting pain frequency and duration as well as the need for analgesic therapy. Data analysis was performed by using statistical testes in SPSS. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: The placebo heat therapy did not significantly decrease of pain. However, pain intensity, duration and frequency in the experimental group decreased significantly after the heat therapy. Moreover, the groups differed significantly in terms of the need for opioid analgesic therapy after the intervention.
Conclusion: Local heat therapy is an effective intervention for preventing and relieving chest pain in patients with ACS. As a result. It could help nurses play an important role in providing effective care to patients with ASC and in minimizing adverse effects associated with pain medications.
Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Chest pain; Local heat therapy.
