Abstract
SUMMARY The traditional concept of coronary atherosclerosis as being the one and only pathogenic factor, responsible for the origin of degenerative (so-calledcoronary) heart disease, is no longer tenable. Additional myocardial vulnerability-augmenting neurogenic and hormonal interferences in the heart muscle's oxygen and electrolyte metabolism have to be taken into account, in keeping with today's state of knowledge. Attempts at the preventive protection of the myocardial tissue's function and structure are to be aimed specifically (a) at retardation of predisposing atherogenesis, chiefly by means of dietary and anti-hypertensive measures, and (b) at reduction of potentially myocardial hypoxia-producing and potassium-depleting adreno-sympathetic and adrenocortical overactivity by means of environmental-emotional relaxation, abstinence from smoking, and regular physical exercise. Administration of potassium and magnesium ions in appropriate polarizing combinations, especially in the form of aspartates, is theoretically justified as a prophylactic measure, the merits of which are at present being subjected to prospective epidemiologic investigation.
Published Version
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