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The effect of local cold compresses for nitroglycerin-induced headache: An observational pretest-posttest study
Yasemin Kalkan Uğurlu1, Nuray Enç2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Nursing Department, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey.
Nursing in Critical Care
|July 15, 2022
Summary
Cold compresses can prevent nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced headaches when applied at the start of infusion. They also reduce headache severity if applied when pain develops, offering a simple, effective intervention for patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Nitroglycerin (NTG) therapy commonly causes headaches, impacting patient quality of life.
- Headache is a frequent side effect of nitrate medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cold compresses in preventing and reducing the severity of NTG-induced headaches.
- To assess the impact of applying cold compresses to the frontotemporal and occipital regions during intravenous NTG treatment.
Main Methods:
- An observational, two-group, pretest-posttest study was conducted in a coronary intensive care unit.
- One group received cold compresses at the start of NTG infusion; the other received them upon headache onset.
- Participants were monitored for headache incidence and severity using visual analog scale (VAS) scores.
Main Results:
- Headache incidence was significantly lower in the group receiving cold compresses at the start of infusion (25.8%) compared to the control group (53.3%).
- Cold compresses significantly reduced headache severity in patients experiencing pain, with VAS scores decreasing from 5.75 to 2.00.
- Both groups showed normalization of heart rate and blood pressure after cold compress application.
Conclusions:
- Applying cold compresses at the initiation of NTG infusion can prevent headaches.
- Cold compresses are effective in reducing the severity of established NTG-induced headaches.
- This intervention is recommended as a safe and effective method for managing NTG-related headaches.
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