Digoxin

[discobeat]

I am a 43 year old male with cronic a-fib for at least eight years, and a history of circulation and rythem problems on both sides.

For a period of time in my treatment the EP had proscribed Digoxin for the rapid heartbeat.  My cardiologist pulled me off when he felt my rate was dropping too low at night.  That period of time was the only time that I had good excercise tolerance.  My weight dropped and I had energy, although it did nothing for the high heart rates associated with a-fib.

My question is, assuming that digoxin does nothing to help a-fib, what does digoxen do?

What ailments respond to digoxen and are there any conditions which digoxen can casue additional problems?

Do studies show a problem with being on digoxin for long periods of time?

Thanks.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

disco,

thanks for the post.

Digoxin has multiple effects. It will slow the heart rate at rest. However it is not very effective at controlling the rate as you increase activity. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are more effective at this.

Digoxin can also help symptoms in patients with heart failure. It does not have intrinsic benefit with respect to mortality but can increase symptomatology.

Digoxin can cause significant side effects if it's levels become too high in the body. People with renal failure or electrolyte abnormalities are particular prone to side effects.  Monitored closely, these risk are low.

good luck

[threeboys]

I was on Dig when I was first diagnosed with CHF, but I also have a history of A-fib. I was on it for 3 yrs, with my other heart meds. I believe it helps your heart beat more regualarly, and stronger and for Things like A-fib. But when my EF reached 40% they took me off it, I still get runs of A-fib, but  my Docs monitor it, and I am now on Coreg and enalapril, for my heart.

Are you still having A-fb and irregular HB's?

amy

[discobeat]

My a-fib is cronic, so I have been in it for over eight years, with a very irratic heartbeat all the time.  When I was on the Digoxen, I noticed a substantial increase in exercise ability.  My EF has never dropped below 50% in the testing that they have done.

[EchoTech]

You could look into a minimaze procedure if you feel you are symptomatic enough.  It's where a surgeon, using scopes  I believe, not open heart) creates scars in certain parts of the left atrium to help block the a-fib.  There are also catheter based maze procedures too.  The facility that I work at does them quite frequently if you're feeling symptomatic and drug therapy has failed.

Good night and good luck.

[bob0301]

A related discussion, 87 year old mom with CHF was started.