CHAPTER II. 

 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. 1 



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

 highly nervous horses. 



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 be&t 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 (Bj), morphin (gr. v), or bromides (gss) 

 may be given. 



1 Most cases described under palpitation of the heart are undoubtedly 

 due to (a) spasm of the diaphragm; (b) organic heart disease. 



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