Primary Action of Digoxin

PharmacologyCardiac MedicationsMedium

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What is the primary action of digoxin in the treatment of heart failure? Decreases cardiac output. Decreases myocardial contractility. Increases heart rate. Increases myocardial contractility.

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Step 1

In this problem, we are looking at the primary mechanical action of the medication Digoxin, which is commonly used to manage heart failure.

Pharmacology: Digoxin Mechanisms

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Step 2

To understand how Digoxin helps in heart failure, we need to focus on two key medical terms: inotropic and chronotropic effects.

1. Inotropic effect: Force of contraction

2. Chronotropic effect: Heart rate

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Step 3

Digoxin is known for being a positive inotropic agent. This means it strengthens the heart's pumping action by increasing the force of myocardial contraction.

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Step 4

By increasing the force of contraction, the heart can pump more blood with each beat. This effectively increases cardiac output, which is the ultimate goal in treating heart failure.

$$\uparrow \text{Contractility} \implies \uparrow \text{Cardiac Output}$$
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Step 5

Now, let's look at our options based on these physiological facts.

Evaluating the Options

A. Decreases cardiac output

B. Decreases myocardial contractility

C. Increases heart rate

D. Increases myocardial contractility

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About This Question

Subject
Pharmacology
Topic
Cardiac Medications
Difficulty
Medium
Question Type
Multiple Choice

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