Antiarrhythmics
Antiarrhythmics
Antiarrhythmics (pronunciation: an-tee-ar-rith-mics) 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 "Antiarrhythmics" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, "arrhythmia", meaning without rhythm, referring to the irregular rhythm of the heart.
Classification
Antiarrhythmics are classified into four main classes (I, II, III, IV) based on the Vaughan Williams classification system. Each class has a different effect on the cardiac action potential.
- Class I antiarrhythmics: These drugs work by blocking the sodium channels in the heart, slowing down the rate at which the heart can conduct electricity.
- Class II antiarrhythmics: These drugs are beta blockers. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, slowing the heart rate.
- Class III antiarrhythmics: These drugs work by blocking the potassium channels in the heart, prolonging the action potential of the heart cells.
- Class IV antiarrhythmics: These drugs are calcium channel blockers. They work by blocking the calcium channels in the heart, slowing the heart rate and reducing the strength of the heart's contractions.
Related Terms
- Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.
- Cardiac action potential: The change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along the membrane of a muscle cell or nerve cell.
- Vaughan Williams classification: A system used to classify antiarrhythmic drugs based on their effect on the action potential of cardiac cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiarrhythmics
- Wikipedia's article - Antiarrhythmics
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