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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heart Palpitations While On Digoxin?

Recently I have episodes of irregular heart beats. It starts with one heavy beat, then goes into rapid shallow beats, get light headed. This lasts for about 5-7 minutes and then corrects itself back to normal rythum, but still rapid. I take 0.50 mg of digoxin daily. I have had rougly 6-8 episodes of full blown Afib in my life. I am 72 years old. My last physical blood work shows my digoxin levels right in the middle of the scale. I m wondering if that dose is a cause for what s occuring.?? Three weeks ago, I was taken to the ER for an episode and nothing extrordinary was found. I do have a cardiologist.
Fri, 7 Aug 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the palpitations while taking Digoxin.

After having gone though the problem described in your query I am of the opinion that palpitations could have occurred as a result of fast and irregular heart beats which are the side effects of Digoxin. These symptoms can also be aggravated because of a low serum potassium level.

You are advised to consult your cardiologist to rule out low potassium level and to use an alternate but a safer drug to control the abnormal rate and rhythm of atrial fibrillation.

Hope to have answered your query.
A feed back is highly appreciated.
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What Causes Heart Palpitations While On Digoxin?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for the palpitations while taking Digoxin. After having gone though the problem described in your query I am of the opinion that palpitations could have occurred as a result of fast and irregular heart beats which are the side effects of Digoxin. These symptoms can also be aggravated because of a low serum potassium level. You are advised to consult your cardiologist to rule out low potassium level and to use an alternate but a safer drug to control the abnormal rate and rhythm of atrial fibrillation. Hope to have answered your query. A feed back is highly appreciated.