In the years before modern medicine, “witch doctors” in England gave their clients a preparation made from the leaves of the foxglove plant to aid their failing hearts. Doctors of the day scorned the practice, but today we know that foxglove is the natural source of the drug digitalis, long a mainstay in the treatment of heart disease.

Digitalis belongs in the class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. Today potent synthetics known as digoxin predominate.

Digitalis increases venous tone, increases renal blood flow, slows heart rate and increases the contracting force of the heart muscle. The result of all its actions is increased efficiency for the heart’s work.

Digoxin is given orally, as tablets or capsules. Prescribing just the right amount is both an art and science, and your doctor will work with you to zero in on the precisely correct dosage. It’s important that you follow his prescription to the letter, taking neither more nor less than directed. An extra dose may lead to cardiac disturbances, while stopping the drug may lead to heart failure. Dr Nishi recalls one cardiac rehab patient who did well, was discharged, and then was readmitted to the hospital after several days because he had taken extra doses of his digoxin.

We’ve talked before about food and drug interactions. In the case of digoxin, there is an interaction between the drug and exercise. Everyday exercise, even walking, can cause up to a one-third drop in digoxin levels. The converse is also true. Active people who stop exercising suddenly, for example during the flu, can experience a one-third rise in levels.

This, too, shows the need for working closely with your doctor. Talk about your exercise program; include normal exercise plans as well as occasional bursts of activity. Your physician will conduct digoxin-level testing to make certain that you’re taking just the right amount.

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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol