Dictionary.net

Supernutrition of the muscular parietes of the heart, which are thicker than usual; the cavities being generally diminished. The physical signs which indicate it are the following. In cases of long standing, the praecordial region is generally prominent; the pulsations of the heart are visible over a greater extent than natural: and a marked vibration is communicated to the hand when placed on the cardiac region. The dull sound on percussion is more extensive than natural; and on auscultation there is a permanent increase of the force and extent of the heart's action; there is no increase, however, of frequency, and the rhythm is regular. The pulse is generally strong, full, and hard.