Which condition can be associated with digitalis toxicity?

Which condition can be associated with digitalis toxicity?

• A. Atrial fibrillation
• B. Third-degree AV block
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Both B and C

Answer: (D)

Digitalis toxicity can lead to various cardiac electrical disturbances, making it important to understand the conditions that can be associated with it. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is particularly relevant because low potassium can enhance the effects of digitalis, leading to a higher risk of toxicity. Digitalis works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase, which increases intracellular calcium concentration, promoting stronger heart contractions but also increasing the potential for arrhythmias, especially in the presence of hypokalemia. Third-degree AV block, also known as complete heart block, can occur as a result of digitalis toxicity. It is characterized by a complete dissociation between the atrial and ventricular activity, leading to significant bradycardia and possible syncope. In digitalis toxicity, the increased vagal tone and potential for ectopic pacemaker activity can disrupt normal conduction pathways, resulting in this type of heart block. Both hypokalemia and third-degree AV block are significant manifestations that can arise from digitalis toxicity, illustrating the intertwined relationship between electrolyte levels and cardiac conduction. Therefore, stating that both conditions are associated with digitalis toxicity accurately captures the broader risks posed by this medication in the context of how electrolyte imbalances can affect cardiac function.

Digitalis toxicity can lead to various cardiac electrical disturbances, making it important to understand the conditions that can be associated with it. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is particularly relevant because low potassium can enhance the effects of digitalis, leading to a higher risk of toxicity. Digitalis works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase, which increases intracellular calcium concentration, promoting stronger heart contractions but also increasing the potential for arrhythmias, especially in the presence of hypokalemia.

Third-degree AV block, also known as complete heart block, can occur as a result of digitalis toxicity. It is characterized by a complete dissociation between the atrial and ventricular activity, leading to significant bradycardia and possible syncope. In digitalis toxicity, the increased vagal tone and potential for ectopic pacemaker activity can disrupt normal conduction pathways, resulting in this type of heart block.

Both hypokalemia and third-degree AV block are significant manifestations that can arise from digitalis toxicity, illustrating the intertwined relationship between electrolyte levels and cardiac conduction. Therefore, stating that both conditions are associated with digitalis toxicity accurately captures the broader risks posed by this medication in the context of how electrolyte imbalances can affect cardiac function.