Effect of Cardiac Glycosides on Myocardial Hibernation in Ischemic Heart Disease

A total of 30 patients with ischemic heart disease complicated by chronic heart failure (CHF) were enrolled in the study. In nearly all patients, CHF of a moderate functional class according to the NYHA classification was observed. At rest, echocardiographic examination assessed the following main parameters: left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), stroke volume (SV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). In patients with ischemic heart disease complicated by CHF, inotropic stimulation of the left ventricle by cardiac glycosides leads to a significant reduction in end-diastolic volume and dimensions. An overall and segmental increase in ejection fraction indicates the reversibility of left ventricular myocardial reserve function.