[Pharmacotherapy of patients with chronic heart failure. Analysis of multicenter international studies].

Lik Sprava (2008) PMID 18822845

Leterature data and own investigations are summarized in the article. New experimental facts about mechanism of action of cardiac glycosides (especially digoxin) were obtained last year. It was shown that in human organism there are endogenous cardiosteroids (digitalis-like substances, endogenous oubain and other). They are in different organs (adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pituitary gland) and have influence on different organs and systems. Indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions with other drugs have been studied by cardiologists. Results of international multicentere studies demonstrate high efficacy of digoxin in treatment of chronic heart failure caused by compromised contractile activity of myocardium, atrium fibrillation and is used for controlling number of heart contractions and supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. More than 200 years history of scientific researches and clinical use of cardiac glycosides show that this group of medicine may be applied in a combine pharmacotherapy of chronic heart failure together with antihypertensive drugs.