Digoxin acts as a positive inotrope and what else?

Prepare for the Cardiovascular Disorders and Treatment Test with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Access study hints and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for the exam now!

Multiple Choice

Digoxin acts as a positive inotrope and what else?

Explanation:
Digoxin provides a stronger heart squeeze by increasing intracellular calcium in cardiac myocytes, which is a positive inotropic effect. At the same time, it enhances vagal (parasympathetic) tone, which slows the heart rate and reduces AV nodal conduction—this is a negative chronotropic effect. So, besides being a positive inotrope, it acts to decrease heart rate. It is not a diuretic or a vasodilator, and it does not increase heart rate.

Digoxin provides a stronger heart squeeze by increasing intracellular calcium in cardiac myocytes, which is a positive inotropic effect. At the same time, it enhances vagal (parasympathetic) tone, which slows the heart rate and reduces AV nodal conduction—this is a negative chronotropic effect. So, besides being a positive inotrope, it acts to decrease heart rate. It is not a diuretic or a vasodilator, and it does not increase heart rate.

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