Cardiac glycosides are a class of organic compounds that have a profound effect on the heart. These compounds are naturally found in several plants, such as foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and oleander (Nerium oleander), and have been used for centuries to treat various heart conditions, particularly congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The primary mechanism by which these compounds exert their effects is by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations and, consequently, an increase in cardiac contractility.
