The clinical significance of sinus arrythmia / by Leslie Thorne Thorne, M.D., B.S., etc.

  • Thorne, Leslie Thorne, 1868-
Date:
[1916?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The clinical significance of sinus arrythmia / by Leslie Thorne Thorne, M.D., B.S., etc. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    have broken down entirely under severe and unusual strain. I am convinced, from observation of many cases in adults, especially young adults, that the presence of any kind oi irregularity in the cardiac rhythm is not a normal condition, and that it should not be disregarded. In all cases in which it is present, a careful enquiry into the previous history, and a detailed examination of the heart, to ascertain the presence or absence of dilatation, should be made, before the sign of irregular rhythm is set aside as a matter of nc importance. It stands to reason that an organ which is working irregularly, whatever form that irregularity maj; take, is not in as satisfactory a condition as one which maintains a regular rhythm. During the last twelve months, I have had under my care a number of officers, mostly young men, who have beer invalided from active service on account of cardiac breakdown, the result of the unusual strain and responsibility of life at the front. These patients, without exception, have been passed for service as physically sound, but, on careful enquiry, I have always obtained a history of former heart trouble, such as a strain in school athletics, necessitating a long rest, or ar attack of rheumatic fever in childhood. I have been struck with the fact that, in the large majority of these cases' the only signs of abnormality of the heart present were slight cardiac dilatation and marked sinus arrythmia. The most prominent symptom has usually been a severe form of general debility and exhaustion, so that the patient hasj been quite incapable of any sustained effort, either of body oi mind, despite the fact that he has usually had a period oi entire rest from work of some months’ duration. Under treatment, the cardiac dilatation has disappeared, the patient has recovered from the condition of exhaustion and debility, has been able to take moderate exercise with; enjoyment, and gradually to resume his ordinary habits without any return of the sensation of collapse, that formerly accompanied any effort whatever. The sinus arrythmia has usually become less marked, but it has generally persisted to a certain degree, and I am, therefore, led to believe that this arrythmia was not a new development, but that it had probably been present for a long period. The following cases of two young officers, whose hearts have broken down on active service, are illustrative of many
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