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.
Treatment.—The same as that given for endocarditis. Absolute rest is necessary. A good nourishing diet must be given and a doctor is always needed.
PHLEBITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE VEINS.—Causes.—Some irritation of the vein, as a puncture or any other injury accompanied by infection.