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The feasibility of discontinuing digitalis-glycoside treatment was tested in 200 patients with various cardiovascular diseases who, on admission to hospital, were on maintenance digitalis. Among those with the main diagnosis of hypertension digitalis administration was discontinued without ill effect in 73%; among those with peripheral arterial obstructive disease in 64%; and among those with coronary heart disease in 33%. Discontinuing digitalis was less often justified in patients with valvar defects, cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Indications for digitalis-glycoside treatment should be more rigorously applied.