A Reexamination of the Hemodynamic Effects of Digitalis Relative to Ventricular Dysfunction

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Abstract

The available data suggest that digitalis improves symptoms of a failing heart in the presence of sinus rhythm as well as supraventricular arrhythmias. Intravenous digitalis administration in patients with chronic heart failure and baseline hemodynamic deterioration increases cardiac index and reduces heart rate. These beneficial effects are maintained with long-term oral therapy and are comparable with those obtained using dobutamine in patients with chronic severe heart failure. The addition of digoxin to therapy with vasodilators and diuretics confers clinical benefit in patients with moderate to severe heart failure symptoms because of systolic ventricular dysfunction. Digoxin effects on diastolic function appear to be different in patients with preserved systolic function in comparison to patients with overt heart failure and systo-diastolic dysfunction. In patients with right ventricular dysfunction digoxin does not appear to influence hemodynamic measurements unless concomitant left ventricular dysfunction is present.

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Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): CRD

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Cardiology

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.0008-6312

Title: Cardiology

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISSN (Print): 0008-6312

ISSN (Electronic): 1421-9751

Publication date Subscription-year: 1995

Publication date (Print): 1995

Publication date (Electronic): 18 November 2008

Volume: 86

Issue: 2

Pages: 94-101

Affiliations

Cardiac Department, ‘La Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy

Article

Publisher ID: 176847 Other ID: Cardiology 1995;86:94–101

DOI: 10.1159/000176847

PubMed ID: 7728813

SO-VID: 4bafa619-a3b5-48c4-91cc-a107652ca910

License:

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

History

Date received : 22 September 1994

Date accepted : 18 October 1994

Page count

Pages: 8

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