Some drugs act just by relieving symptoms-for example “pain killers”. Others replace deficiencies in the body-iron tablets used to treat one sort of anaemia. Others still kill off bacteria-antibiotics. Most drugs used to treat heart conditions adjust the working of the heart or circulation rather like a mechanic tuning an engine which is not functioning … Read more
Very many different drugs are used to treat heart disease, yet they all belong to a few main types. Within each category the drugs are very similar, but even minor variations may be important for some people. With this variety of drugs to choose from the doctor can choose one drug rather than another so … Read more
Great improvements have been made in the treatment of heart disease in recent years, in large part from the research and development of new, effective medicines or drugs. (Many people misunderstand the word “drug”: it simply means a medicine.) These new drugs are effective because they are powerful, and if you have been prescribed one … Read more
So far as is known, life expectancy is improved by operations upon the heart, and many Life Insurance companies will accept these clients, though the premiums to be paid may have to be adjusted. Remember that most heart defects can be mended, and surgeons are daily getting better and better at doing it. The future … Read more
People with trivial defects or surgically corrected hearts should be able to lead normal lives, but it may be wise in some instances not to become involved in a job which requires a lot of hard physical work out of doors. The Armed Services are not willing to accept people who have had an operation … Read more
There is no reason why girls should not enjoy normal family life and bring up children in the normal way if they have mild heart problems. Many thousands of women have brought up families after quite major defects have been corrected surgically, but it would, of course, be wise to discuss the possibility of pregnancy … Read more
In general there are few precautions needed on discharge following operation, most babies and children are eating well from a normal diet, and can build up to normal activities including going to school in a few weeks. After very big operations some children may benefit from having a sleep in the afternoon for 2-3 weeks … Read more
For in-patients, tests only two days or so.For opereration usually between 10 days and 3 weeks if all goes well. Complicated and difficult operations may take longer.
Whom should I ask about my child’s progress? Parents should always discuss things with their family doctor in the first instance. Then with the consultant at the hospital before admission in out-patients, and when in the ward they should remember that they have them informed but for any serious question they should ask to speak … Read more
No child in hospital, however young he is, should be allowed to feel abandoned by his family. Mothers in particular should be encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their children while in hospital. During the immediate recovery period this may be difficult and rather frightening the presence of the parents is important … Read more