The mechanism of action of digitalis in the treatment of heart failure
Disease description:
A relative of mine is 56 years old and currently in poor health. Recently, he was diagnosed with heart failure. I heard that digoxin (digitalis) can be used to treat heart failure, so I would like to understand how digoxin works in treating heart failure.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
The mechanism of action of digitalis glycosides in the treatment of heart failure mainly involves the following aspects:
1. Positive inotropic effect: Digitalis enhances myocardial contractility by inhibiting the Na-K-ATPase pump on the myocardial cell membrane, leading to increased intracellular Na+ levels, which subsequently promotes Na-Ca2+ exchange and elevates intracellular Ca2+ levels, thereby exerting a positive inotropic effect and effectively improving myocardial contractile function in patients with heart failure.
2. Neuroendocrine regulation: Digitalis reduces the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, alleviating sodium and water retention, which helps improve fluid balance in patients with heart failure.
3. Electrophysiological effects: Digitalis shortens the refractory period of ventricular muscle, reduces the automatic excitability of ectopic pacemaker sites, and helps prevent and control arrhythmias, particularly showing therapeutic benefits in patients with atrial fibrillation.
4. Electrophysiological effects: Digitalis reduces peripheral resistance, lessens the workload on the heart, and decreases myocardial oxygen consumption by slowing the heart rate, further improving symptoms of heart failure.
It is recommended to use under the guidance of a physician.
