Endogenous Cardiotonics: Search and Problems.

Medicinal preparations currently used for the treatment of patients with chronic cardiac failure involve those that reduce the heart load (vasodilators, diuretics, beta-blockers, and angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors). Cardiotonic drugs with the cAMP-dependent mechanism are unsuitable for long-term administration due to the intensification of metabolic processes and an increase in the oxygen demand of the myocardium and all tissues of the body. For many years, digoxin has remained the only preparation enhancing the efficiency of myocardial performance.