THE VITAL PROCESSES 



duce undesirable effects upon the organs of circulation. 

 Unfortunately some of these are extensively used, alcohol 

 being one of them. If taken in any but small quantities, 

 alcohol is a disturbing factor in the circulation. It in- 

 creases the rate of the heart beat and dilates the capil- 

 laries. Its effect upon the capillaries is shown by the 

 " bloodshot " eye and the " red nose " of the hard drinker. 

 Another bad effect from the use of much alcohol is the 

 weakening of the heart through the accumulation of fat 

 around this organ and within the heart muscle. The use 

 of alcohol also leads in many cases to a hardening of the 

 walls of the arteries, such as occurs in old age. This 

 effect makes the use of alcohol especially dangerous for 

 those in advanced years. 



Tobacco contains a drug, called nicotine, which has a 

 bad effect upon the heart in at least two ways : I. When 

 the use of tobacco is begun in early life, it interferes with 

 the growth of the heart, leading to its weakness in the 

 adult. 2. When used in considerable quantity, by young 

 or old, it causes a nervous condition both distressing and 

 dangerous, known as " tobacco heart." 



Tea and coffee contain a drug, called caffeine, which acts 

 upon the nervous system and which may, on this account, 

 interfere with the proper control of the heart. In some 

 individuals the taking of a very small amount of either 

 tea or coffee is sufficient to cause irregularities in the action 

 of the heart. Tea is considered the milder of the two 

 liquids and the one less liable to injure. 



Effect of Rheumatism. The disease which affects the 

 heart more frequently than any other is rheumatism. 

 This attacks the lining membrane, or endocardium, and 

 causes, not infrequently, a shrinkage of the heart valves. 

 The heart is thus rendered defective and, to perform its 



