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Effect of digoxin on circadian blood pressure values in patients with congestive heart failure

C Kirch1, M Grossmann, S Fischer

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Dresden, Germany.

European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|April 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Digoxin treatment lowered overnight diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild heart failure. Systolic blood pressure increased during sleep, suggesting effects on the autonomic nervous system.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects blood pressure regulation.
  • Circadian blood pressure patterns are crucial in cardiovascular health.
  • Normotensive patients with mild CHF require careful management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of chronic digoxin on circadian blood pressure in mild CHF.
  • To analyze the effects of digoxin on daytime and nighttime blood pressure.
  • To investigate potential mechanisms of digoxin's cardiovascular effects.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
  • 12 normotensive patients with mild CHF participated.
  • 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed.

Main Results:

  • Digoxin significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure during overnight sleep.
  • Systolic blood pressure increased significantly during overnight sleep with digoxin.
  • No significant changes in daytime blood pressure or heart rate were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Digoxin lowers nocturnal diastolic blood pressure in mild CHF patients.
  • Potential mechanisms include reduced sympathetic or increased parasympathetic activity.
  • Increased nocturnal systolic blood pressure may relate to digoxin's positive inotropic effect.
Abstract

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