CONCLUSIONS:

1) Digitalis is the ONLY inotropic drug that REDUCES MVO₂ in patients with heart failure, including patients with acute myocardial infarction.

2) Digitalis blocks the neuroendocrine system (catecholamines and renin), like IECA and betabloquers.

3) Restores baroreceptor function and heart rate variability.

4) Restores the Bowditch effect.

5) The combined therapy has better results and can be used in both acute and chronic heart failure.

6) Reduces in combined therapy mortality in patients with heart failure, especially in the most severe patients.