Changes in 86-rubidium uptake in erythrocytes of digoxin-treated patients, in heart failure with sinus rhythm. Relationship to clinical effects.

Previous studies have shown a significant relationship between the clinical effect of digoxin and a tissue response, namely the inhibition of 86Rb uptake by the patients' erythrocytes. In the present study, this relationship is confirmed in patients, in heart failure with sinus rhythm. The slowing of the heart rate but not the QS2 index changes correlates significantly with the 86Rb uptake inhibition.