Guide to invalids : a manual for persons using the remedies of S.S. Fitch.

  • Fitch, Samuel Sheldon, 1801-1876
Date:
[1850?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Guide to invalids : a manual for persons using the remedies of S.S. Fitch. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

    25/48
    At times the heart begins to flutter, and seems to almost turn itself over. At other times, most severe pain is felt in or about the heart. CAUSES OF HEART DISEASES. [See remarks on Heart Diseases in my Lectures.'] One great cause of heart disease is a strong predisposition to con- sumption, and the heart takes the disease. Another cause is dys- pepsia, and the falling of the bowels, liver complaint, and enlarge- ment of the under portion of the liver. Falling of the womb in ladies, and all trouble of sexual organs ; all excesses or irregularities of every kind; kidney complaints; being very bilious, and indigestion; ex- cessive study; grief; anxiety; night-watching, &c; costiveness; contraction of the chest, and depression of the breast or back-bonc ; and, with these, frequent attacks of rheumatism, that settles on the heart. Debility of the valves of the heart is a most common cause. Excessive nervousness ; enlargement of all the heart, or of one side ; dropsy of the heart; excessive use of tobacco, in smoking, chewing, &c.; gluttony ; too much fat about the heart. CURE OF HEART DISEASES. . In treating heart diseases, I advise the use of an Abdominal Sup- porter, (unless the person is fljry short and fleshy) ; Shoulder Braces are indispensable. Do all to enlarge the chest, as directed in my Lectures. Sit, write, or read only at high desks, so as not to stoop at. all. Expand the chest by long, full breaths constantly, but begin carefully. I dve Cathartic Pills, and advise the use of them every night regularly. Even when used for years, they will not injure, but constantly protect the heart. For a time, I give Humor Corrector, Depurative Syrup, and, if there is pain, use the Liniment, &c. Ahove all, use the Heart Corrector—it usually gives instant relief in sudden attacks, and may be used whenever the heart is excited. Taken re- gularly at bed-time, it carries the patient safely through the night. In old people, it is a true life-preserver. If there is dyspepsia and sour stomach, use the Anti-Hectic Mixture and Anti-Dyspeptic Powder until well of dyspeptic symptoms. I am positive that three- fourths of the deaths from heart diseases are immediately caused by wind in the stomach, or a loaded stomach. It is impossible to say too much on the subject of diet. Besides, what I have said on diet to consumptives, applies tenfold to heart patients. Avoid ad suppers or late meals. You should not eat anything after dinner, or only a Blight piece of bread with a little butter. Never eat a hearty meal, onany pretext whatever. Eat very little meat, and that well cooked, very tender, and eaten deliberately. Avoid all feats of strength, or 2