The old but reliable digitalis: persistent concerns and expanded indications.
Digitalis has been an old but reliable drug for 240 years. Concerns regarding its clinical indications and benefits still exist in the absence of a reduction in all-cause mortality. While intravenous digitalis is used without question in cases of atrial fibrillation, it is still controversial in sinus rhythm, despite the Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG) study showing a significant reduction in death and the need for hospitalisation for congestive heart failure in both diastolic and systolic dysfunction. The influence of digitalis in acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease and sudden cardiac death remains speculative. In cases of uncomplicated hypertension, it appears to prevent the onset of left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial infarction. Thus, digitalis can be a cost-effective agent with added benefits.
Abarquez
R F
RF
College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines.
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000188:drug therapy; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D004070:Digitalis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D010947:Plants, Toxic
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents