This is a functional derangement of the heart that may have many causes. Indigestion is a common cause. Fright, worry--in fact, overworked emotions--may become a cause of heart palpitation. Heart palpitation is one of the first indications of depleted blood or loss of blood. Anemic people suffer with palpitation. Those who use tobacco, coffee, tea, or other stimulants daily and excessively arrive at a stage where they will be troubled severely with heart palpitation.

When women are going through the change of life, they are often troubled with this symptom. Young girls coming into puberty are troubled with this symptom very often. The hysteric and neurasthenic are very prone to have this symptom, but there is nearly always dyspepsia as the exciting cause.

Onanism and excessive venery are common causes. When a youth complains of palpitation, and there are dilation of the pupils, cold, clammy hands and feet, and a doughy skin, there is not only indigestion, but there is a strong probability of self-abuse. The same symptoms developed in maturity point to excessive venery. In some subjects the palpitation is accompanied by flushing of the skin; in others, by deathly pallor. A palpitation that follows exertion, or a short run, or violent exercise of any kind, indicates an absence of exercise. Those who carry a little too much flesh, and whose hearts are pressed upon, will have an increased action of the heart, with precordial oppression--they will be pressed for breath. This is an indication that more exercise should be taken.

Treatment

Correct whatever the cause is. Where it is a result of the use of stimulants, stimulants must be stopped. If it is the result of imprudent eating, overeating, or anything of that kind, the cause must be removed,