For those suffering from an irregular heartbeat or even heart failure, Digoxin, a form of drug treatment for certain heart problems, may increase the risk of premature death, according to German researchers. 

Used for several decades, digoxin has been used around the world for heart problems. Made from the plant, foxglove (digitalis), it aids the regularity and strength of heartbeats. Digoxin, however, can be dangerous if above a certain threshold with regular blood tests having to be administered in order to guarantee the safety of patients. That said, the correct dosage can still be difficult to determine and, complicated by the fact that digoxin may not agree well with other medications, close observations and monitoring of the patient is paramount.

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According to the research, published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, patients who were taking digoxin had a 21% chance increase in their possibility of death for any given cause. Additionally, there is a 29% greater risk of premature death for those suffering from atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) and an increased 14% risk of premature death for those afflicted with heart failure. The study was published in the European Heart Journal on May 5.

There have been several studies conducted regarding the correlation of digoxin use with increased rates of premature death; however, these studies along with this recent one, bear the possibility of being falsifiable, since they are primarily used on patients with serious heart failure and those who did not respond well to other treatments, according to Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology from the University of California.

Dr. Gregg Fonarow remarks that, currently, with the arisen controversy regarding the efficiency and safety of digoxin, clinical trials are necessary, as reported by WebMD.

As for those who have atrial fibrillation, Dr. Fonarow mentions that current guidelines prefer alternatives to digoxin; nonetheless, Dr. Fonarow emphasizes the importance of consulting with one's doctor and considering one's options before altering his/her medication.

TagsDigoxin, Digoxin treatment, Digoxin cure