Current Concepts in Digitalis Therapy

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Abstract
THE use of digitalis marks the beginning of the modern era of cardiac therapy. Whole-leaf digitalis and the purified derivatives, the cardiac glycosides, continue as the most effective medicinal agents in the management of patients with congestive heart failure. The loss of cardiac reserve manifested by failure is the result of an imbalance between cardiac muscle strength and the work load imposed on the heart. Therapy is therefore directed toward improving the function of the failing heart muscle and reducing the work load on the myocardium. The two are intertwined; affecting one influences the other. Since the ultimate event in . . .