Antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmic drugs are medications that are used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder where the heart begins to beat at an incorrect rate or rhythm. This can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or even death.

Antiarrhythmic drugs work by changing the electrical activity of the heart and restoring the heart's normal rhythm. They are divided into several classes depending on their mechanism of action and effects on the heart.

Class I antiarrhythmic drugs include drugs that block sodium channels in heart cells and slow the rate at which electrical impulses are transmitted. These drugs can be divided into several subclasses depending on their pharmacokinetic properties and effects on the heart.

Class II antiarrhythmic drugs include beta blockers, which reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and slow the heart rate. They may also reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, which is the most common form of arrhythmia.

Class III antiarrhythmic drugs include drugs that block potassium channels in heart cells and increase the duration of action potential activity. This can lead to a prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG, which can potentially lead to the development of cardiac arrhythmia. However, when used correctly, these drugs can be effective in treating some forms of cardiac arrhythmia.

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs include calcium antagonists, which block calcium channels in heart cells and reduce the rate of transmission of electrical impulses. They may also lower your heart rate and reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

In addition, there are also other antiarrhythmic drugs that do not belong to classes I-IV. For example, adrenergic blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and amidarone.

Despite the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs, they may have side effects such as dizziness, nausea, heart rhythm disturbances, decreased blood pressure, etc. Therefore, before starting treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the patient and select the most appropriate drug, taking into account his health status and other factors. In addition, regular monitoring of heart rate and organ function is also an important aspect of antiarrhythmic drug treatment.

In conclusion, antiarrhythmic drugs are an important class of medications for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. They act on various mechanisms of cardiac activity and can be effective in treating various forms of arrhythmias. However, before starting treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the patient and select the most appropriate drug, taking into account his medical condition and other factors. In addition, regular monitoring of heart rate and organ function is also an important aspect of antiarrhythmic drug treatment.

Antiarrhythmic therapy: the essence of the use of drugs and their effects The term “antiarrhythmic” refers to a wide range of pharmacological agents that reduce the likelihood of the occurrence and development of arrhythmias. Antiarrhythmic drugs are only those drugs that help slow the heart rate.

The drugs do not affect the underlying cause of the arrhythmia, and therefore are symptomatic and auxiliary. They help compensate for heart failure, restore normal balance within the heart muscle and stabilize cell membranes (in tachyarrhythmic form). As a result, the contractile activity of the myocardium is restored, blood circulation is normalized, and the body begins to function fully after episodes of arrhythmia. Antiarrhythmics primarily block the automatism of the sinus node, work with the vagus nerve, and control cardiac activity. It is based on the pharmacological action of medications, which is carried out on extrasystole receptors, cardiomyocytes: - Sodium channel blockers. Prescribed courses range from 3 days to 1 month. Also used for atrial fibrillation. The Na+ drug retained in the channels of muscle cells leads to a reduction in the frequency of sinus impulses. - Sedatives. These drugs act on the nerves of the chest, inhibit vagal nerve impulses, cause muscle relaxation, and dilate blood vessels. Medicines prevent the development of increased tone of the transverse gland and phrenic nerve. They are used for blockade due to cardiotoxic antitumor drugs and diabetes mellitus. Can be administered orally or parenterally. - Relaxers. These are drugs that have a direct toxic effect on cellular muscles, disrupting the conduction of impulses through the AV node, of a refractory nature. The radical effect occurs simultaneously with a decrease in potassium and magnesium. Myocardial cells have receptors. - Membrane stabilizers. They are metabolic disintegrants - organic and inorganic substances that stabilize the composition, permeability and electrical excitability of the membrane. These drugs are used mainly to treat arrhythmia when the disease is severe and other treatments have failed.