Digitalis and the other cardiac glycosides increase the mechanical pumping ability of the heart by bringing about an increase in _________ concentration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Digitalis and cardiac glycosides inhibit the sodium-potassium pump, causing a buildup of intracellular sodium. This, in turn, leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, which increases the mechanical pumping ability of the heart. So, the correct answer is intracellular calcium (choice D).

Digitalis and the Other Cardiac Glycosides Increase the Mechanical Pumping