Each week our members can participate in a survey. Here’s what we asked this week…
Figwort/Scrophula contains a small amount of cardiac glycosides. Which of the following choices best describes what a cardiac glycoside does?
- A. Cardiac glycosides increase the output force of the heart. (25%)
- B. Cardiac glycosides decrease the hearts rate of contractions. (5%)
- C. Cardiac glycosides increase the output force of the heart and decrease its rate of contractions. (70%)
Thank you to all members who participated in this week’s survey!
70% answered correctly with, “C. Cardiac glycosides increase the output force of the heart and decrease its rate of contractions.”
If you would like to participate in next week’s survey and are not already a member, join us by visiting WhiteRabbitInstituteOfHealing.com/join-free.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cardiac glycosides are organic compounds that increase the output force of the heart and decrease the rate of contractions by acting on the cellular sodium-potassium ATPase pump. Foxglove is another herb that contains large amounts of cardiac glycosides. Figwort contains a much smaller amount of these compounds than foxglove. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using these herbs if you are already taking heart medications. Cardio glycosides have long been used as the main medicine for treating congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. However, as they can also be relatively toxic, they need to be used with care. Many medicines now use synthetic drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers instead of cardiac glycosides to treat these same ailments.
