Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat mild to moderate heart failure such as congestive heart failure, and abnormal heartbeats in the form of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia, according to Drugs.com. Digoxin is derived from a foxglove plant known as digitalis lanata. The drug works directly on the heart muscles, and this affects the heartbeat and pulse rate.
Slow Pulse Rate
Digoxin slows electrical impulses from the heart's atrioventricular node. The atrioventricular node conducts electrical impulses between the atria and the ventricles. Digoxin blocks or slows the conducting of electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles, which results in decreased heart rate and pulse rate. Taking digoxin when the heart rate is already slow is dangerous, as it may result in further decrease in heart rate. According to Drugs.com, a patient's apical pulse should be assessed for one minute before the patient takes digoxin. The digoxin should be withheld if pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Rapid Pulse Rate
Digoxin strengthens the force of the heartbeat by increasing the amount of calcium in the heart's cells, according to Texasheart.org. Calcium stimulates heartbeat. Excessive calcium in the heart may result in a rapid heart rate and pulse rate. According to MayoClinic.com, normal pulse rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A patient should withhold digoxin and notify the doctor if the pulse rate is above 100 beats per minute.
Irregular Pulse Rate
Excess amounts of digoxin in the bloodstream may cause irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia, according to Drugs.com. Arrhythmia affects blood flow and blood pressure and leads to an irregular pulse rate. Patients experiencing signs and symptoms of arrhythmia such as palpitations, dizziness, light-headedness and shortness of breath should withhold digoxin and notify the doctor.
