EFFECTS OF CALCIUM CHELATION ON DIGITALIS-INDUCED CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS

Abstract

Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) abolished ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia caused by digitalis in the experimental animal and in man. When administered concomitantly with digitalis it exerted a protective action against digitalis toxicity in the experimental animal. Disodium EDTA reversed the ecg pattern of digitalis effect. Disodium EDTA seems to be a valuable agent in the management of digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias, especially in those in which a rapid response is desired. However, the effect may be only transient and it is therefore advisable to combine this form of therapy with oral K+ and/or procaine amide.