Evidence supporting the use of: Digitalis
For the health condition: Tachycardia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Digitalis, a genus of plants from which the cardiac glycoside digoxin is derived, has a well-established role in the management of certain cardiac arrhythmias, particularly those associated with tachycardia. The scientific justification for its use is based primarily on its action on the heart: digitalis increases vagal (parasympathetic) tone and slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This makes it especially useful for controlling the ventricular rate in conditions such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, both of which are common forms of supraventricular tachycardia. By inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, digitalis increases intracellular calcium concentrations, which enhances cardiac contractility (positive inotropy) while simultaneously exerting a negative chronotropic effect (slowing the heart rate).
Numerous clinical trials and decades of clinical experience support the use of digoxin, the most commonly used digitalis glycoside, for rate control in atrial fibrillation and flutter. However, it is important to note that digitalis is not typically used for acute management of other tachyarrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, where it may be ineffective or even harmful. Modern guidelines (e.g., AHA/ACC/HRS) recommend digoxin primarily for rate control in atrial fibrillation, especially in patients with concomitant heart failure. Its use has declined somewhat due to the availability of safer and more effective alternatives, but its efficacy for certain tachycardias is well validated.
Other health conditions supported by Digitalis
ArrhythmiaCardiovascular Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Mitral Valve
Tachycardia