Which medications are known to affect heart rhythms and should be monitored with an EKG?

Beta-blockers and digoxin are well-known for their significant effects on heart rhythm. Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and arrhythmias. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force of contraction. This can impact the electrical activity of the heart, potentially leading to bradycardia or other rhythm disturbances.

Digoxin is a medication often used in heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias. It increases the force of myocardial contractions and can also affect the conduction system of the heart, making it crucial to monitor a patient's EKG for signs of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as various rhythm alterations.

Given these effects on heart rhythm, monitoring with an EKG is essential to ensure that these medications are not causing any adverse effects on the heart's electrical activity. Monitoring can help in adjusting dosages and preventing complications. In contrast, the other medication categories listed do not typically have a direct correlation with significant changes in heart rhythms that would necessitate regular EKG monitoring.