Interrelation between Potassium Metabolism and Digitalis Toxicity in Heart Failure.

Abstract

In a series of patients with congestive heart failure, K loss either occurring spontaneously with malnutrition or gastrointestinal disorders or due to mercurial diuresis was shown to be associated with increased digitalis sensitivity. Desoxy-corticosterone acetate admn. in doses of 20 mg. daily or intraven. glucose and insulin similarly changes digitalis thresholds. Since no consistent changes in serum K levels were observed and gross balance studies showed K loss, it is suggested that the increased myocardial sensitivity is the result of alterations in intracellular K distribution.