Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-09-09
DAMAGED HEARTS
BV H. AddingtOn Bruce

y T is great mistake to underestimate the
| seriousness of the situation when one is
~ afflicted with any form of organic heart
disease. But it is equally mistaken to fall
into panic, and to assume that to have a
damaged heart neces ariIy means an early
death.
For the fact is that, by taking precaution-
airy measures, persons even with greatly
damaged hearts may, and not 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 to recovery AS recently
emphasized by Dr.. ST. t Hart
I'm the majority of instances heart disease
under suitable management is not progress
i've, Even if valve has been injured be-
yond the possibility of complete repair,
care may prevent further mischief, and COM
pensating factors may be developed which
allow the heart to perform its work efficient
ly in spite of its handicap"
What constitutes proper care" varies
somewhat of course, with the individual
patient. For this reason detailed manage
ment of ones case should be in the hands
of competent physician. There are some
general 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
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
tients must reconcile themselves to avoiding
extremes of physical activity, such as those
involved in prolonged exercise, running, lift
ing anything heavy, etc. "As general rule
to quote Harris 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 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 occupationaI activity,
suited of course to the degree of their
strength. Complete cessation from work,
except when absolutely necessary, almost
always makes for harm.
But the work chosen should never be such
as to incte to Oyer-exertion, or such as to
involve worry or other emotional stress. SO
far as the emotions are concerned, all suffer-
ers from heart disease should endeaYor to
cultivate pIacidity, and to avoid situations
likely TO arouse in them sentiments of anger
or fear. In this endeayor it ought TO 90
without saying, they should have the hearty
cooperation of relatives and friends
Lastly, yet also OF real Importance, any