The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-25
Damaged Hearts
By H. ADDINGToN BRUCE

TT is a great mistake to underestimate the
 seriousness of the situation when one is
 afflicted with any form of organic heart disease But it is equally mistake to fall into panic, and to assume that to have a damaged heart necessarily means an early death.
 For the fact is that, by taking precaution- ary measures, persons even with greatly dam aged hearts may, and not a few do, live to good old age.
 When the heart damage is not extreme, proper care may mean complete recovery. In other cases it insures disease-arresting that is tantamount t6 recovery. As recently emphasized by Dr. Stuart Hart:
 Tn the majority of instances heart dis ease under suitable management is not pro- gressive. Even if valve has been injured beyond the possibility of complete repair, proper care may prevent further mischief, and compensating factors may be developed which allow the heart to perform its work efficiently in spite of its handicap"
 What constitutes proper care,". varies somewhat, of course, with the individual pa tient. For this reason detailed management of ones case should be in the hands of a competent physician. There are some gen eral principles, however, on which the best authorities are agreed.
 One of these is the supreme importance of rest to all heart patients, especially of rest lying down.
 There are cases in which rest alone may work wonders, even after compensation has failed. And while the need for rest depends on the gravity of the heart condition, most heart patients should reconcile themselves to spending in bed at least ten hours out of every twenty -four.
 When not resting, moreover, all heart pa- .1slA extremes of physical activity, such as those ing anything heavy, etc. "As general rule, !" to quote Hart's warning note, ''any physical effort which produces shortness of breath IS too much for any one with organic heart disease"
 On the other hand, except when recovering from a heart attack, some exercise should be taken.
 More and more nowadays the tendency among heart specialists is in the direction of prescribing graduated exercise, as part of their patients treatment. This helps in more ways than one, having in particular a good psychic effect in giving the patients increased confidence and peace of mind.
 As an additional aid to morale-and the maintaining of morale is always most impor tant in heart cases-it is desirable for heart patients to have some Occupational activity suited of course to the degree of their strength Complete cessation from work, except wher absolutely necessary, almost always makes for harm.
 But the work chosen should never be suct as to incite to overexertion, or such as tC involve worry or other emotional stress. So far as the emotions are concerned, indeed all sufferers from heart disease should endeavor to cultivate placidity, and to avoid situa- ffOOo liko1u fO in thopn of anger or fear. In this endeavor, it ought to go without saying. they should have the hearty cooperation of relatives and friends
 Lastly, yet also of real importance, any tendency to put on weight ought to be com batted by heart patients. They have special need for nourishment, to be sure, but if they permit themselves to become obese they there by put an additional burden on their already weakened hearts.