Lithium carbonate in the management of intractable congestive heart failure.

Lithium carbonate was administered to 11 patients with advanced congestive heart failure resistant to the usual forms of therapy. Abundant diuresis, consecutive regression of oedema, loss of weight and clinical improvement ensued in response to lithium therapy. Doses ensuring a serum level of 0.5 to 1.0 mmol/l are regarded as optimal in heart disease. Within this range lithium produces no clinical or ECG signs of cardiotoxicity, provided the serum Na and K levels remain normal. The side-effects observed are reported in detail and attention is drawn to the necessity of follow-up and especially of checking the serum lithium level.