Which acronym helps remember the signs of a heart attack?

The acronym MONA is widely recognized in the medical community to help recall the key interventions and signs associated with a heart attack. MONA stands for Morphine, Oxygen, Nitrates, and Aspirin, which are critical components in the immediate care of a patient experiencing acute coronary syndrome, particularly during a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Understanding MONA can aid first responders and healthcare professionals in efficiently administering treatment that can alleviate chest pain, reduce myocardial oxygen demand, and prevent further clot formation.

The use of this acronym emphasizes the importance of comprehensive management in the pre-hospital setting, potentially impacting patient outcomes positively. For instance, the administration of aspirin helps to prevent platelet aggregation, while nitrates can relieve angina by vasodilating blood vessels.

Other acronyms, while they could have meanings in different contexts, do not encapsulate the essential components of immediate heart attack management as effectively as MONA does.