Can digoxin be used to treat atrial fibrillation?

Under normal circumstances, digoxin refers to medications such as digoxin tablets, digoxin injection, and digoxin oral solution. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm disorder originating in the atria. Digoxin-containing drugs can be used to treat atrial fibrillation.

Digoxin belongs to the class of drugs known as digitalis glycosides and exerts positive inotropic effects by enhancing myocardial contractility, thereby improving cardiac pumping function. It is particularly effective for patients with heart failure complicated by atrial fibrillation. Additionally, digoxin slows the heart rate and reduces conduction between the atria and ventricles, thus lowering the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. This helps reduce cardiac workload and decreases the occurrence of arrhythmias. Digoxin tablets are a commonly used oral formulation; if oral administration proves ineffective, digoxin injection may be considered as supplementary therapy. However, digoxin-containing drugs are contraindicated in patients with atrioventricular (AV) conduction block, as digoxin prolongs the refractory periods of the atria and ventricles, potentially worsening AV conduction disturbances.

In daily life, patients should maintain a diet low in salt, fat, and cholesterol, engage in moderate physical activity, maintain a healthy body weight, and avoid excessive stress and anxiety.