What is an important electrolyte that should be monitored in patients receiving digoxin?

Monitoring potassium levels is crucial for patients receiving digoxin due to the potential for digoxin toxicity, which can be influenced by potassium levels in the body. Digoxin works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium and enhancing myocardial contractility. If potassium levels are low, this can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity because low potassium can enhance the drug’s effects on the heart, leading to arrhythmias. Conversely, high potassium levels can decrease the effectiveness of digoxin. Therefore, maintaining a stable potassium level is essential for both therapeutic effectiveness and safety when managing a patient on digoxin therapy.

Other electrolytes like sodium, calcium, and chloride also play important roles in overall health and cardiac function, but the most direct relationship with digoxin therapy and toxicity lies with potassium.