A cardiac lead for transmitting electric current to the heart and/or sensing and monitoring electrical activity of the heart has an elongated electrical conductor connected to a head. An electrode mounted on the head comprises a helical wire adapted to be turned into heart tissue. The helical wire is coated with platinum black particles which decrease electrical losses at the electrode-tissue interface. A plug impregnated with a drug located within the head is in contact with the helical wire and platinum black particles thereon. The drug migrates from the plug to the active outer end section of the electrode.