Heart Failure: Its Treatment—With Special Reference to Chronic Lung Disease

In heart failure associated with chronic cor pulmonale, the best results are obtained from (1) the use of antibiotics, to overcome pulmonary infection; (2) the liberal use of nebulized bronchodilators, to help relieve bronchiolar obstruction by expulsion of bronchial secretions; (3) digitalization to improve the function of the right ventricle; (4) sodium restriction; (5) the administration of mercurial diuretics; and (6) the judicious reduction of the hypervolemia by phlebotomy. Diamox is especially worth a trial. Oxygen therapy is beneficial also, but it should be used cautiously and intermittently, lest carbon dioxide narcosis develops. Artificial respiration may be lifesaving.