CHAPTER 11. 

 DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

 NERVOUS PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 



Hyperkinesis Cordis. 



Definition. — A sudden, tumultuous beating of the heart of 

 purely nervous origin, and independent of any lesions in the 

 organ.^ 



Occurrence. — Not common in animals, but may occur in 

 highly nervous horses, especially colts handled too roughly 

 when being broken, etc. 



Etiology. — Nervous palpitation may result from over- 

 exertion, great fear (stable fires), or anything which produces 

 undue excitement. It may be secondary to mild gastric 

 indigestion and occur in anemic conditions, or may follow 

 influenza. 



Symptoms. — ^The characteristic symptom of this disorder 

 is a thumping movement of the thorax which may be seen, 

 felt or heard. The patient is usually anxious, sweating 

 copiously and somewhat dyspneic. On auscultation the 

 heart beat is loud and fast, often at each impulse jarring 

 the whole body. The pulse may be quite weak. 



Course. — Acute, lasts in most cases only a few hours to 

 one day. 



Diagnosis. — Absence of organic heart disease and short 

 duration of the condition are indicative. 



Treatment. — Patient should be kept quiet and in a cool 

 place. Moderate walking exercise is helpful. Internally 

 chloral hydrate (5j), morphin (grs. v), or bromides (§ss) 

 may be given. 



' Most cases described under palpitation of the heart are undoubtedly 

 due to (o) spasm of the diaphragm ; (6) organic heart disease. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



