title: Management of digitalis therapy in a primary care area.
abstract: A retrospective study of 323 patients on digitalis therapy was performed in the primary care area of Skellefteå health district with the highest prescription of cardiac glycosides. The study comprised 90% of all patients on digitalis. Indications for treatment and the underlying heart disease were especially scrutinized. In one-third of all patients no underlying heart disease was defined and in about half of them the effectiveness of treatment was poorly documented. The study underlines the importance of defining the indication for treatment combined with a subsequent careful evaluation of the therapy in order to optimize treatment with cardiac glycosides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Skellefteå Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boman
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weinehall
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ogren
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D004071:Digitalis Glycosides