Is it worth having strophanthin during the time change?

Changing from winter to summer time is more than just changing the hands of the clock. It is an interference with the body's biological rhythm. If you have a sensitive heart or feel that after the change of time your body does not function as it should - this topic may be more important to you than you think. And this is where the question arises: is it worth having strophanthin during the change of time?

Learn more: What risks to health, heart and well-being increase during the time change?

Doctors with decades of experience remember patients who reported heart palpitations, strange shortness of breath, irritability in the spring. Some thought it was stress or a crisis. But the truth often lay deeper — in the cardiovascular system, which does not like changes in circadian rhythm.

How does the time change affect your body?

The change from winter to summer time means that we “take away” an hour of sleep. For the biological clock, this is a mess. Studies show:

• increased sleep fragmentation,
• difficulty falling asleep,
• decline in the quality of rest for several consecutive days.

But that's not all. In the first week after the time change:

• the risk of heart attacks increases,
• heart rhythm disturbances occur more often,
• the susceptibility to anxiety and depressive episodes increases,
• more people come to the ER due to injuries resulting from poor concentration and drowsiness.

Where does strophanthin fit into all this?

Strophantine (ouabainum) is a cardiac compound known for years, but still underestimated. It works differently than classic cardiology drugs - it gently strengthens the heart, improves circulation, regulates the tone of the vagus nerve. Importantly, in the long term its use is well tolerated [2] and additionally  does not burden the body like other cardiac glycosides due to its more beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism in the heart muscle [3].

During the change of time, strophanthin may:

1. Help your heart keep its rhythm – when the circadian rhythm is out of whack, the autonomic system acts chaotically. Strophantine can balance this out.
2. Reduce the feeling of shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which in many patients appears in spring.
3. Improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation, which facilitates regeneration and better sleep.
4. Have a positive effect on the nervous system, which is overloaded during this period.

But be careful - not for everyone and not in every dose.

Strophantine does not work in a vacuum. Your body may react differently to medications during the change of time. Therefore:

• determine the dose carefully – don't experiment on your own, talk to experienced people
• monitor your blood pressure and heart rate, especially if you are already taking other heart medications,
• pay attention to unusual symptoms – dizziness, weakness, visual disturbances – if something changes, report it to your doctor.

What should you do?

• Make a note of the date of the time change – don’t wait for your body to let you know something is wrong.
• Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using strophanthin.
• For the first 7 days after the change:
  • measure your blood pressure in the morning and evening,
  • limit caffeine and alcohol,
  • go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual,
  • go out into the daylight immediately after waking up (it is a natural regulator of the biological clock).

Is it worth having strophanthin at home?

If you have previously had episodes of heart rhythm disturbances, chest pain, or worsening exercise tolerance during periods of temporary time changes, strophanthin may be a very sensible safeguard that is worth having at hand.

Sources:

1. Comparative study of the cardiac and peripheral vascular effects of strophantin K and lanatoside C in coronary heart disease. (European journal of clinical pharmacology, 1975)
2. Long-term use of K-strophanthin in advanced congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy: a double-blind crossover evaluation versus digoxin. (Clinical cardiology, 1994)
3. [Comparative study of the effect of cycloartane and cardiac glycosides on various parameters of myocardial metabolism in animals]. (Ukrainskii biokhimicheskii zhurnal (1978), 1993)

Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The purpose of the material is to increase awareness of the substance discussed, and not to promote any specific product. The information presented in the text is based on available scientific research and does not constitute medical advice. It should also not be considered an encouragement to self-diagnose or treat any ailments. In case of any health problems or concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor or other qualified specialist.