What is the primary pharmacological action of Digitalis Glycosides on the heart?

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary pharmacological action of Digitalis Glycosides on the heart?

Explanation:
Digitalis glycosides primarily increase the force of heart contraction (positive inotropy). They inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in cardiac myocytes, leading to a rise in intracellular sodium. That shifts the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger to bring more calcium into the cell, so during systole more calcium is available to interact with the contractile apparatus. The result is stronger contractions and improved cardiac output. They can also increase vagal tone, which may slow conduction through the AV node and modestly reduce heart rate, but this is a secondary effect and not the main action. They do not directly cause peripheral vasodilation.

Digitalis glycosides primarily increase the force of heart contraction (positive inotropy). They inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in cardiac myocytes, leading to a rise in intracellular sodium. That shifts the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger to bring more calcium into the cell, so during systole more calcium is available to interact with the contractile apparatus. The result is stronger contractions and improved cardiac output. They can also increase vagal tone, which may slow conduction through the AV node and modestly reduce heart rate, but this is a secondary effect and not the main action. They do not directly cause peripheral vasodilation.

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