What is an expected outcome of a digoxin prescription for heart failure?

When digoxin is prescribed for heart failure, one of its primary effects is to decrease the heart rate, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. Digoxin works by increasing the force of myocardial contractions, which allows the heart to pump more efficiently. This enhanced contractility can lead to a reduction in heart rate as the heart functions more effectively with less effort.

In patients with heart failure, particularly those who may also have a rapid ventricular response due to atrial fibrillation, digoxin helps to regulate and slow the heart rate. A lower heart rate can reduce the workload on the heart, improve cardiac output, and alleviate symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

While stabilization of blood pressure is a potential benefit of improved cardiac function, the direct and more immediate expected outcome of digoxin therapy in heart failure management is indeed a decreased heart rate. It is essential to monitor the patient's heart rate and rhythm closely when initiating or adjusting digoxin therapy to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and minimize potential toxicity.