| PALPITATION is caused by an abnormally beating
heart. This abnormality may be in force, frequency or rhythm
and is usually temporary. Palpitation is not a serious condition,
rather a manifestation of some general disturbance of nervous
origin. However, sometimes it may be associated with some heart
disease. In organic heart diseases, the patient rarely complains
of palpitation because of the overwhelming other symptoms such
as pain and dyspnoea.
CAUSES:
Emotional upsets, fear, shock, excitement, anxiety neurosis,
Influence of cardiac stimulating substances such as tea, coffee,
tobacco, alcohol, coal gas, fumes of motor car, drugs like
adrenaline, cocaine, etc.
Hypertrophy of the left ventricle e.g. in hypertension, valvular
diseases
Anaemia
Hyperthyroidism,
Any congenial or acquired organic heart disease
Paroxysmal tachycardia
Extra-systoles of the heart,
Mechanical pressure on heat as during pregnancy and abdominal
tumour
cardiac crisis of tabes dorsalis
Flatulent dyspepsia from gastro-intestinal disturbances
Oesophageal hiatus hernia
Convalescence after influenza, typhoid, etc.
TREATMENT:
To arrest the attack, the patient should be placed in bed
in quiet surrounding and all clothing loosened over the precordial
region. In some cases cold drinks are helpful, while in others
hot drinks relieve it. Aconite, arsenicalba alumen, carboveg
crataegus, digitalis kalmia, ibfris, cactus, naja, rhustox,
naja strophanthus are medicines that are prescribed according
to the symptoms. Patients are advised to take medicines only
after consulting a qualified physician.
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