TREATMENT OF HEART DISEASES

Much can be done for the heart patient, thanks to careful study and research of recent years and resultant medications developed.
DIET: As important as anything else is the food the patient eats. Food should be very light and not taken in large amounts. In severe heart cases five small feedings per day are often advised. The point is to avoid a full stomach, for this places a heavy burden on the heart.

Animal fats should be definately restricted. Eggs, butter, cheese, and meat should not be included in the diet. Fats should all be vegetable origin. Safflower oil(kardi) is the best as well as corn oil. Groundnut oil is good. Coconut oil, unfortunately is not good.
A low salt diet is also indicated. Salt should be used only moderately, by all in fact, and those who are accustomed to using it liberally should change the habit. The use of enough salt to cover a flat taste is sufficient. But the heart patient must be especially strict. It would be well for him to limit the intake to 250 milligrammes per day. A low salt diet must never exceed 500 milligrammes per day. If you desire you may get a salt substitute at any recommended chemist shop.
MEDICATION: Digitalis is one of the oldest drugs for treatment of heart failure and it still ranks as one of the five most useful medicines.
It is indicated in cases of heart failure; that is, for one who is unable to breathe well lying down, who has a large amount of swelling of the feet, an enlarged liver and an irregular heart. The doctor will give digitalis for this condition. He will need to watch the patient carefully to determine what the daily dose should be. It is gratifying to see how well a patient can respond to digitalization.
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