Digoxin increases Motality rate in Atrial Fibrillation

The association between digoxin use and mortality was assessed in 17,897 patients by using a propensity score-adjusted analysis and in new digoxin users during the trial versus propensity score–matched control participants. At baseline, 5,824 patients were receiving digoxin.

It was found that patients already on digoxin at ARISTOTLE's outset did not show an increased death risk. But when examined by serum concentrations, patients with baseline levels at 1.2 ng/mL or above had over 50% increased risk, compared with those not on digoxin (levels below 0.9 ng/mL showed no increased risk). In addition, in those starting on digoxin during the trial's follow-up, the risk of death and sudden death was significantly higher.

The authors concluded

• In patients with AF currently taking digoxin, the risk of death is independently related to digoxin serum concentration and is highest in patients with concentrations ≥1.2 ng/mL.


• Initiating digoxin is independently associated with higher mortality in patients with AF, regardless of HF.

Therefore in the absence of randomized trial data showing its safety and efficacy, digoxin should generally not be prescribed for patients with AF, particularly if symptoms can be alleviated with other treatments.In patients with AF already taking digoxin, monitoring its serum concentration may be important, targeting blood levels <1.2 ng/mL.

In atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF, collectively), digoxin has been one of the most widely used rate control agents worldwide and is largely accepted as a valid therapeutic option. Despite the endorsement of digoxin in clinical practice guidelines, the present study has emphatically raised concerns about its safety and it should be better avoided in AF.An expert has rightly commented, "Perhaps it's time to leave foxglove in the garden."