(b) The stage of broken compensation.  Rest.  Disturbed compensation may be completely restored by rest of the body.  In many cases with swelling of the ankles, moderate dilatation of the heart and irregularity of the pulse, the rest in bed, a few doses of the compound tincture of cardamon and a saline purge suffice within a week or ten days to restore the compensation.  For medicine a doctor must be consulted as each individual case must be treated according to its peculiar symptoms.

Fatty heart.—­This occurs often in old age, prolonged, infectious, wasting disease, anemia, alcoholism, poisoning by phosphorus and arsenic.

Angina Pectoris.—­True angina, which is a rare disease, is characterized by paroxysms of agonizing pain in the region of the heart, extending into the arms and neck.  In violent attacks there is the sensation of impending death.  Usually during the exertion and excitement, sudden onset of agonizing pain in the region of the heart and a sense of constriction, as if the heart had been seized in a vise.  The pains radiate up the neck and down the arm.  The fingers may be numb.  The patient remains motionless and silent, the face usually pale or ashy with profuse perspiration.  Lasts for several seconds or a minute or two.

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Treatment.—­Live an absolutely quiet life, avoid excitement and sudden muscular exertion.  During the attack, break a pearl of amylnitrite in a handkerchief and inhale the fumes.  These should always be carried.  If no relief is had in a minute or two chloroform should be given at once.  It is dangerous and you must look to your physician for advice and treatment.

Arteriosclerosis.—­A localized or diffused thickness of the inner coat and then of the other coats of the arteries.  Arteries look lumpy and are crooked, dilated with stiff, thin or calcified walls.  All coats, especially the middle, show degeneration.  It usually comes in later life.

Treatment.—­Regulate the mode of life, avoid alcohol, excess of eating, drinking, exertion, excitement and worry.  Keep the bowels and kidneys acting regularly.  There is no medicine for it.

Aneurism.—­This is a local dilatation of an artery.  A local tumor.

Treatment.—­Absolute rest, restrict fluids.  There is always danger from rupture.

Myocarditis.—­This is an inflammation of the muscle substance of the heart.  It may be acute or chronic.

Causes.—­Endocarditis and pericarditis in the course of rheumatism; acute fevers like typhoid, etc.; clots lodging in the heart arteries, coming from diseases such as septicemia and pyemia.

Symptoms.—­The heart is weak.  The pulse is rapid, small and irregular, palpitation and fainty sensations come on suddenly during the course of diseases mentioned.  The outlook is serious and life may end suddenly.