The influence of digitalis glycosides on certain neural and hormonal functions in patients with chronic heart failure

Digitalis works not only as a positive agent in congestive heart but as a modulator of neurosecretion as well. Opposite to its positive inotropic activity the latter refers to small doses. It leads to restoring of the autonomic balance. Its effect is resulted from the increased vagal activity that suppresses the adrenergic tone. Disregulating of the neurosecreting system may occur in patients with left ventricular impairment even without symptoms of left ventricular failure. Digitalis then besides stimulating contractility stops the neurosecretion and may be used not only to improve hemodynamics but also to slow the process of progressive deterioration of cardiac function.