cardiotonic /car·dio·ton·ic/ (kahr″de-o-ton´ik) having a tonic effect on the heart; an agent that so acts.
cardiotonic
cardiotonic,
cardiotonic
car·di·o·ton·ic (kär d - -t n  k)adj. Relating to or having a favorable effect upon the action of the heart. car di·o·tonic n. |
cardiotonic
[kär′dē·ōton′ik]
Etymology: Gk, kardia + tonos, tone
1 pertaining to a substance that tends to increase the efficiency of contractions of the heart muscle.
2 a pharmacologic agent that increases the force of myocardial contractions. Cardiac glycosides, derived from certain plant alkaloids, exert a tonic effect by altering the transport of electrolytes across the myocardial membrane, causing a decreased efflux of sodium and calcium and a decreased influx of potassium. Digitoxin and digoxin, widely used cardiac glycosides obtained from leaves of a species of foxglove, increase the force of myocardial contractions, extend the refractory period of the atrioventricular node, and, to a lesser degree, affect the sinoatrial node and the heart's conduction system.
cardiotonic,
adj/n property of a substance that has an invigorating effect on the heart.
cardiotonic
having a tonic effect on the heart; an agent that so acts.
cardiotonic
adjective Referring to a tonic effect on the heart noun An agent with said effect–eg, digitalis
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