EFFECT OF CARDIAC INFARCTION ON THE TOLERANCE OF DOGS TO DIGITALIS

Abstract

The literature concerning the tolerance to digitalis in clinical cases of coronary occlusion is meager. The few reports with which we are acquainted consist chiefly of clinical impressions. Moreover, the conclusions of various observers are not entirely in agreement. Herrick¹stressed the great value of digitalis in coronary occlusion and suggested that rapid effects be sought in some cases by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Riesman²felt that digitalis should not be used in coronary occlusion, believing that because of its great damage to the myocardium it would do no good and might do harm. Bastedo³stated that in cases of coronary sclerosis and myocarditis, regardless of rhythm, digitalis must be used with care and never in massive doses. Conclusions based on experiments with animals likewise are somewhat at variance. Gold⁴reported in 1925 that there was no significant variation in the tolerance of cats to ouabain