Antiarrhythmic
Antiarrhythmic
Antiarrhythmic (pronounced: an-tee-ar-RITH-mik) is a type of medication used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart, or arrhythmias.
Etymology
The term "antiarrhythmic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, and "arrhythmia", meaning without rhythm.
Definition
Antiarrhythmic drugs are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress fast rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.
Classification
Antiarrhythmic drugs are classified into four main classes (I, II, III, IV) based on their effect on the electrical conduction system of the heart. This classification was originally described by the Vaughan Williams Classification system.
- Class I antiarrhythmics are sodium channel blockers. They are subdivided into three categories: Ia, Ib, and Ic.
- Class II antiarrhythmics are beta blockers.
- Class III antiarrhythmics affect potassium efflux.
- Class IV antiarrhythmics are calcium channel blockers.
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, abnormal heart rate that begins in the lower chambers of the heart.
- Ventricular Fibrillation: A life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, inadequate heartbeat.
- Beta Blockers: A class of drugs that are particularly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, and to protect the heart from a second heart attack after a first heart attack.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiarrhythmic
- Wikipedia's article - Antiarrhythmic
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