The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1927-05-05
ANGINA PECToRIs

Angina pectoris, literally translat-
ed, means pain in the chest. We
speak of true angina pectoris which
is due to the heart to distinguish it
from pain in the thorax due to con-
ditions in the chest wall, and which is
called false angina pectoris.
The Attack
A paraxoysm of true angina pee
toris usually comes on during the
night. The pain starts over the heart,
radiates up the left side Of the chest,
to the shoulder, then down the arm.
1t lasts but few seconds but this
time is sufficient to kill the patient
either in the first or subsequent at
tack. The victim is covered with a
cold sweat, his breath comes in gasps,
his face. is distorted by the fear of
impending dissolution. When an at
tack comes on while the patient is
standing he takes position which Is
unique to this disease. He stands err
ect or with the body inclined back
ward, the chin elevated, supporting
himself with one hand while the other
is placed over the heart.
Treatment During Paroxysm
People subject to angina pectoris
should always carry two or three am
pules of amyle nitrite. These come
prepared for instant use, the drug
being contained in the thin glass cap
sule covered with absorbent material
and silk. This ampule is crushed be-
tween the thumb and index finger and
the fumes of the drug inhaled. One
such ampule is usually sufficient to
break the spasm.
When amyle nitrite is not obtain
able or if it's action is accompanied
by undesirable affects, the next most
potent agent is nitroglycerin. This
may either be injected under the skin
or the tablet be dissolved under the
tongue.
Treatment After the Paroxysm
Physicians generally give a hypo-
dermic injection of morphine to bring
more complete and prolonged relax
alton after the transitory action of
the amyl nitrate or nitroglycerin has
expended itself. A half-filled hot wa
ter bag or an electric pad placed
over the heart also helps to allay
pain and promote relaxation.
The patient should rest for several
hours after an attack and if it was
severe, for several days. A light diet,
with a minimum of liquids, neither
too hot nor too cold, is in order for
two or three days. If needed mild
cathartic should be given the day fol-
lowing the attack.
Prevention of Paroxysms
These patients can do great deal
towards preventing attacks, and as a
rule they are perfectly willing to reg
ulate their life with this end in view.
They should avoid over-exertion,
mental stresses, exposure to cod, and
everything that precipitates an at
tack. Moderation in all things should
be their fetch. They should eat spar
ingly, have plenty of rest, proper di-
version and suitable exercise.
One of the best measures is the
Nauheim bath. At Nauheim, the IA
nous spa in Germany, there are at
all times thirty thousand patients
with heart disease, many of whom
are sufferers from angina pectoris.
Fortunately one can get artificial
Nauheim baths at home if he will
observe all other regulations enforc-
ed at the spa, and which are no small
contributing factor in the results OBJ
tanned there. The water should be
charged with carbonic acid gas and
10 ounces of commercial calcium
chloride and 9 pounds of sea salt dis
solved in 40 gallons Of water.
The patient should be under the
care of physician whose job it is
to determine what is the underlying
cause in the case before him. This
may be hardening of the arteries
high blood pressure, blocking of g
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