Summary
In 9 patients with atrial fibrillation the effect of zero, low and high levels of serum digoxin on exercise-induced hyperkalemia was assessed by bicycle exercise tests.
Exercise at each level of serum digoxin was associated with a significant (up to 20%) rise in plasma potassium. At a work load of 75 W the highest level of serum digoxin was associated with a significantly higher maximum plasma potassium concentration as compared to the maximum valueatazero serum digoxin.
The enhancement of exercise-induced hyperkalemia may add to the arrhythmogenic effect of digitalis.
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Nørgaard, A., Bøtker, H.E., Klitgaard, N.A. et al. Digitalis enhances exercise-induced hyperkalaemia. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 41, 609–611 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00314994
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00314994