Abstract

According to the CDC, about 5.7 million Americans have congestive heart failure (CHF) and half of those diagnosed will die within five (5) years. In addition, there is an exorbitant cost associated with heart failure, an estimated $30.7 billion yearly [1]. Katzung, states that positive inotropic drugs are effective for acute heart failure, however, other research have shown that non-cardiac dugs can be more effective for long-term treatment of heart failure [2]. Recent studies have discussed the role of digoxin as a management therapy rather than justfor acute treatment of heart failure.Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside, derived from tropical plants (Digitalis lanata and D purpurea) [2]. The mechanism of action of digoxin involves stabilizing the sodium and potassium ion as they cross the plasma membrane in opposite directions using the Na-K-ATPase. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of digoxin is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment based on patients clinical presentation; details such as the hemodynamic effect, neurohormonal effect, and the electrophysiology effect will be discussed to help in designing appropriate therapy [3].

Keywords

Digoxin, Heart Failure, CDC, Non-cardiac drugs, Digitalis lanata, D purpurea, Congestive heart failure, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Left ventricular ejection fraction, RADIANCE trial