[The antiarrhythmic effect of digitalis in acute myocardial infarction with cardiac failure (author's transl)].

In 59 digitalized and 3 non digitalized patients the effect of digitalis during the 1st to 4th days after transmural myocardial infarction was controlled. Rhythm disturbances in acute myocardial infarction may arise secondary to a complicating cardiac failure and may be influenced by digitalis. In 9 of 17 cases (53 p.c.) with ventricular or supraventricular extrasystoles daily doses of 0,4 mg beta-Methyldigoxin or 0,4 mg Digoxin i.v. resulted in undisturbed sinus rhythm. In two cases supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles with rapid ventricular rate were abolished by 1,2 mg beta-Methyldigoxin within 12 hours, in three other cases an improvement was recorded. Dysrhythmias or other complications did not occur in previously non digitalized patients. When the antiarrhythmic effect of digitalis cannot be obtained cardiodepressive complications by treatment with typical antiarrhythmic agents are diminished. In patients on digitalis and in cardiogenic shock, digitalization should be performed carefully. Intoxication leads to a diminution of cardiac output and to cardiac dysrhythmias.