What effect does digoxin have on the heart?

Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat certain types of heart failure and can enhance the heart's function. It increases the heart's contractility—this means that digoxin strengthens the force with which the heart muscle contracts. By improving contractility, digoxin helps the heart pump more efficiently, which can lead to improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with heart failure.

In addition to increasing contractility, digoxin also has effects on heart rate and can lead to a lower heart rate due to its influence on the autonomous nervous system. However, its most significant effect in the context of heart failure management is related to its action on strengthening heart contractions. This increased contractility can alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, by enhancing the heart's ability to maintain adequate blood flow and meet the body’s demands.

While digoxin may have other effects, such as potentially lowering blood pressure through improved cardiac output, its primary and most direct effect relevant to heart failure management is the enhancement of contractility. This therapeutic enhancement is crucial for aiding patients who struggle with insufficient heart performance.