What effect does digoxin have on heart function?

Digoxin primarily acts as a cardiac glycoside that influences heart function by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This property is significant for managing certain types of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. By slowing conduction through the AV node, digoxin can help to control the ventricular rate in these conditions, allowing for improved synchronization between atrial and ventricular contractions.

Additionally, digoxin increases the force of myocardial contraction (positive inotropic effect), which enhances cardiac output. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like heart failure, where efficient pumping of blood becomes critical. However, the action of slowing AV nodal conduction is a key therapeutic element that makes digoxin an important medication in specific cardiac settings.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for assessing the overall impact of digoxin on heart function and why it is used to treat particular heart conditions. The other options, while they relate to heart function, do not accurately describe the primary effect of digoxin.