Digitalis Bigeminy

Abstract

BIGEMINAL rhythm following the administration of digitalis is frequently encountered and is generally accepted as a sign of digitalis intoxication. The characteristics of this type of coupled rhythm, however, are not clearly defined, and there is little in the literature concerning the subject. The present investigation was undertaken in an attempt to elucidate the features of digitalis bigeminy that might be of practical clinical value.MethodsThe patients studied were limited to those in whom paroxysmal or constant ventricular bigeminy was demonstrated electrocardiographically. Of the electrocardiograms taken from 1929 to 1948 at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, 183 separate cases . . .