[Digoxin and atrial fibrillation in 2016].

Various properties of digoxin have been exploited for decades, amongst which are its positive inotropy used in the treatment of heart failure, and its vagotonic effect used to slow ventricular response to atrial fibrillation. Pharmacologic properties of digoxin are however characterised by a narrow therapeutic interval, and recent observational studies suggest a potential association with increased mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. As a result and because of available alternative therapeutic strategies, current guidelines do not recommend digoxin as first line treatment of atrial fibrillation. Digoxin may be considered in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response when other therapeutic options cannot be pursued.