Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-12-05
Stop Killing
Yourself
By Dr.. Peter J. SteinerOhn


swer to such an important
question (althOugh neces-
sarily incomplete), so here
goes:
Coronary disease means
trouble in one or both cor
onary arteries Cor their
branches) which supply the
heart with nouriShment. The
underlying cause is a condi-
ton we call atherosclerosis.
This affects the walls and
Innings Of these arteries,
gradually or suddenly, and
causes them to lose their
normal elasticity; and fills
them up with cholesterol and
lime salts. This interferes
with the amount of blood
that can get through to sup
ply the heart with oxygen.
Even the cause Of athero-
scleroSis hasn't been proved
definitely. But we know
there are many factors to be
considered: cholesterol, me-
tabolism, heredity, exercise,
smoking, alcohol, high blood
pressure, diabetes, obesity,
tension and others.
Now, coronary disease
usually takes one of two
main forms: angina pectoris
or sudden coronary throm-
bosis. To make it simple, in
angina there is a gradual
filling up of the artery with
a thrombus or clot; while in
coronary thrombosis the clot
forms suddenly to cut off
the circulation to a vital part
of the heart muscle. The
typical symptoms Of angina
are: a constructive pain
across the chest and down
one or both arms, usually
coming on with exertion,
extreme emotion or exer-
ton after a heavy meal.
These attacks of frightening
chest discomfort may come
on only a few times a week
or as many as 10 to 20 times
a day. Stopping for a few
minutes while walking will
usually terminate the at
tack, assisted by diSsolving
a nitroyglycerine tablet I'M
der the tongue.
The typical attack of cor
ornary thrombosis is more
overwhelming. 1t may come
on during exertion or while
resting. There is a sudden,
crushing pain which extends
through the chest. Also
nausea, vomiting, excessive,
clammy perspiration, ap-
prehension, sharp fall in
blood pressure, rapid, irreg-
ular pulse. You don't have
to be a doctor to realize,
looking upon such a patient,
that here is one whose life
is in danger.
In a general way, between
attacks, the treatment Of
angina pectoris and coro-
nary thrombosis is the
same. We advise the patient
to cut down his activities,
to reduce, to live in mod
GRAFTON and without excess
sive tension. Alcohol in
small amounts may be all
right. No smoking. Low fat
and low cholesterol diet.
During the attack of cor
onary thrombosis itself, the
doctor gives medicine to
raise the blood pressure,
morphine or other drugs to
control the pain, and he
parin and coumarin drugs to
thin the blood.
The patient stays in bed
for a few weeks, goes home
to rest for a few more
weeks. He does not return to
work until at least three
months have passed.
Some patients are allowed
in a chair within days af-
ter the attack. Others must
stay in bed 4 to 8 weeks.
Each is a personal prob
lem. For example, some pa
tients need to take blood
thinners for months and
years; others, only during
the first few weeks after
the attack.
We are more optimistic
about the outcome of cor
onary disease than we were
years ago; nevertheless it
remains a serious problem
until we lick the cause and
treatment Of atherosclero-
sis.
Write to me in care OF
The Star for my leutlet,
Practical Pointers for Coro-
nary Patients" IncIoSe IS
cents and a stamped, self
addressed envelope.
(Bell-McClure Syndicate)