CARDIOTONICS Meaning and
Definition
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Cardiotonics, also known as cardiac glycosides, are a class of medications that have the ability to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart's contractions. These drugs act by directly affecting the heart muscle, increasing its contractility and ultimately improving the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body.
Cardiotonics primarily work by inhibiting a substance called sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ ATPase) on the cell membrane of cardiac muscle cells. This inhibition leads to an increase in intracellular sodium levels, which in turn promotes the efflux of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum within the heart cells. The elevated calcium concentration within the cardiac muscle cells enhances the contractile force of the heart, resulting in a stronger and more efficient heartbeat.
These medications are commonly used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands. By enhancing the heart's pumping ability, cardiotonics can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid retention, and fatigue that are associated with congestive heart failure.
Some examples of cardiotonics include digoxin and digitoxin. These drugs have been used for many years and have proven to be effective in managing heart failure symptoms. However, it is important to note that cardiotonics should be used with caution, as they can have narrow therapeutic indices and may cause adverse effects if not properly dosed or monitored.
Common Misspellings for CARDIOTONICS
- xardiotonics
- vardiotonics
- fardiotonics
- dardiotonics
- czrdiotonics
- csrdiotonics
- cwrdiotonics
- cqrdiotonics
- caediotonics
- caddiotonics
- cafdiotonics
- catdiotonics
- ca5diotonics
- ca4diotonics
- carsiotonics
- carxiotonics
- carciotonics
- carfiotonics
- carriotonics
- careiotonics
Etymology of CARDIOTONICS
The word "cardiotonics" is derived from two roots: "cardio" and "tonics".
1. "Cardio" comes from the Greek word "kardia", meaning "heart". This root is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the heart.
2. "Tonics" is derived from the Greek word "tonikos", which means "a means of restoring". In medical terminology, "tonics" generally refers to medications or substances that have a strengthening or invigorating effect on the body.
Therefore, "cardiotonics" can be understood as substances or medications that have a strengthening effect on the heart. They are often used to improve the contractility and pumping function of the heart in conditions like heart failure.
Similar spelling word for CARDIOTONICS
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