Antiarrhythmic agents
Antiarrhythmic agents
Antiarrhythmic agents (pronounced: an-tee-ar-rith-mic a-gents) are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.
Etymology
The term "antiarrhythmic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, "arrhythmia", meaning without rhythm, and "agent", meaning something that produces an effect. Thus, antiarrhythmic agents are substances that act against irregular heart rhythms.
Classification
Antiarrhythmic agents are classified into four main classes (I, II, III, IV) according to the Vaughan Williams classification system. Each class has a different mechanism of action and is used to treat different types of arrhythmias.
- Class I antiarrhythmics: These agents work by blocking the sodium channels in the heart, slowing the rate of depolarization and repolarization, thus slowing the heart rate.
- Class II antiarrhythmics: These agents are beta blockers that work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of the heart's contractions.
- Class III antiarrhythmics: These agents work by blocking the potassium channels in the heart, prolonging the repolarization phase and thus slowing the heart rate.
- Class IV antiarrhythmics: These agents are calcium channel blockers that work by blocking the calcium channels in the heart, slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of the heart's contractions.
Related Terms
- Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.
- Atrial fibrillation: A quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
- Ventricular tachycardia: A fast, regular beating of the ventricles that may be a symptom of serious heart disorders.
- Ventricular fibrillation: A condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart, making them quiver rather than contract properly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiarrhythmic agents
- Wikipedia's article - Antiarrhythmic agents
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