The association of digoxin with mortality in ischemic heart failure: a secondary analysis of the STICH trial

Abstract Background Digoxin, one of the first treatments for symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF), is currently used in the management of persistent CHF symptoms as well as for ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines suggest digoxin as an adjunct to optimal medical therapy for symptomatic improvement in CHF. However, the data regarding the effect of digoxin use on mortality continue to be conflicting. Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the association of digoxin therapy with mortality in patients with ischemic heart failure defined by severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial. Methods STICH randomized 1012 patients with CAD and LV ejection fraction