Primary Action of Digoxin
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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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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
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
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.
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.
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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