Time sequence of direct vascular and inotropic effects following intravenous administration of digoxin in normal man.

The effects of a bolus injection of digoxin upon hemodynamics and left ventricular function were studied in 5 normal volunteers using cardiac ultrasound, ECG, carotid pulse pressure, and arterial blood pressure recording. Whereas the injection was followed by an immediate rise of the systemic vascular resistance, the inotropic action upon the myocardium followed with a delay of 10 to 30 minutes after injection.