The place of cardiac glycosides in the treatment of chronic heart failure
Sidorenko, B.A.; Preobrazhenskiĭ, D.V.; Sharoshina, I.A.; Makhmutodzhaev, S.A.; Batyraliev, T.A.; Pershukov, I.V.
Kardiologiia 45(4): 85-91
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9040 PMID: 15940203 Document Number: 589900
In a series of papers the authors analyze literature data on the use of cardiac glycosides for long term treatment of chronic heart failure. Part 1 is devoted to clinical pharmacology of glycosides with special emphasis on digoxin. In low doses digoxin produces no substantial effect on contractility of left ventricular myocardium but can cause worsening of its diastolic function. Favorable action of digoxin on clinical course and outcomes of chronic heart failure is most probably related to modulation of neuro-humoral systems. Data on factors influencing sensitivity to glycosides in various categories of patients with heart failure, their interaction with other drugs, and contraindications for digoxin are also presented.