The dress should be neither too warm nor too light ; and it should not in any way interfere with respiration or with circulation. Tight skirt bands, corsets, tight garters, and narrow shoes interfere with the vital functions, and should not be worn by patients with weak hearts.
The diet should be carefully regulated. In affections that run a rapid course it should consist principally of milk, soft-boiled eggs, and rice boiled in milk. Strong soups, beef-tea, etc., arc liable to irritate the heart. When the normal function of the heart has been restored, readily digestible, nourishing foods should be taken. Over-filling the stomach should be avoided, especially before retiring. Highly seasoned or fatty dishes, as well as starchy foods, should be omitted from the dietary of patients with weak hearts. Boiled milk and fresh water (pure or mixed with fruit-juices) may be taken in moderate quantities. Mineral waters with excess of carbonic acid gas, strong coffee and tea, and all beverages containing much alcohol are strictly prohibited ; the use of tobacco should likewise be entirely abandoned.
During attacks of palpitation, spasm of the heart, or shortness of breath, the patient should be given plenty of fresh air before the arrival of the physician. He should be divested of all tight garments, should occupy a half reclining posture, and remain absolutely quiet. Cold compresses or ice bags may be placed upon the chest over the heart region. In marked palpitation of the heart, and in cases of constant painful or oppressive sen sations in the cardiac region, the application of pressure to the chest in the region of the heart often proves beneficial. Sudden weakness of the heart, with a tendency to fainting, requires the administration of strong black coffee, brandy, or wine. It is advisable also to rub the body with hot towels, or to apply mustard-poultices or plaisters to the region of the heart. Hot foot-baths or hand-baths also have a favourable action.
In addition to the general directions for patients suffering from heart diseases, a number of special treatments are of service ; the selection of these, as well as of the medicines, must, however, be left to the physician.
Among climatic resorts worthy of recommendation may be mentioned the following. In Europe : Nauheim, Cudowa, Franzensbad, and Marienbad. In the United Slates : Hot Springs, Va. ; Mt. Clemens, Mich. ; Glenwood Springs, Col., and Watkins Glen and Dansville, N.Y. Saline sulphur baths are advisable, especially for patients afflicted with heart-diseases which continue to cause disturbances (such as palpitation, oppressions, short ness of breath, etc.) although the defect has been compensated for by increased cardiac activity.
Among other special methods of treatment, mention may be made of dietetic cures (milk, whey, or grapes), which are especially indicated in patients who are inclined to obesity ; mechanical treatment with massage of the chest, arms, and legs, in order to facilitate the circulation of blood ; and resistance gymnastics. The pharmacopceia also contains excellent remedies which, by increasing the blood-pressure and strengthening the heart, are capable of removing even severe symptoms of cardiac weakness.
HEARTBURN.—An accompanying symptom in various diseases of the stomach. It consists in a disagreeable burning sensation in the (esophagus, accompanied with sour eructations which are repeated every few minutes. As a rule, this belching is most severe directly after a meal, and it may con tinue for an hour or more. The cause of heartburn is the development in the stomach of abnormally large quantities of acids (particularly hydrochloric acid), due either to fermentation of food or to abnormal irritation of the nerves which cause the elaboration of the gastric juices.
Since- heartburn is a symptom only, and not a disease in itself, it follows that treatment must be directed to the fundamental causes. To diagnose these is the mission. of the physician. Great care should be exercised with regard to the diet, and, as a general rule, it. may be said that fatty foods, acid drinks, spices, onions, cheese, radishes, eels, salmon, crabs, lobsters, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are to be avoided. Bicarbonate of soda affords immediate relief in this condition, but should not he used to excess. The treatment had best he left to the physician.