Cardiovascular Drugs: Antiarrhythmic and Heart Failure Drugs

The cardiac rhythm, or heartbeat, results from coordinated contractions controlled by electrical signals. These signals originate in the SA node, which is …

The cardiac function relies on synchronized electrical activity to maintain a regular rate and rhythm, ensuring effective hemodynamics. Any deviation …

Antiarrhythmic drugs treat dysrhythmias by restoring normal cardiac function. They are categorized based on their electrophysiological effects. Class I …

β-adrenergic stimulation increases intracellular Ca2+ influx and pacemaker currents, leading to arrhythmias. Class II antiarrhythmic drugs are …

Class III antiarrhythmic drugs primarily act by blocking K+ channels or by blocking inactivated  Na+ channels. This prolongs the action potential and …

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs block open or inactivated voltage-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels. Their actions are use-dependent and prevent repolarization …

Cardiac performance depends on the heart rate, heart rhythm, myocardial contraction, and blood flow. The heart's rate and rhythm are regulated by a …

Heart failure is a complex disorder characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood to meet the body's demands effectively. Its …

Positive inotropic agents increase cardiac output in heart failure. These drugs enhance sarcomere contractility by elevating free cytosolic  Ca2+ …

Heart failure reduces kidney perfusion, activating neurohumoral mechanisms, including RAAS. These mechanisms increase cardiac filling pressure, causing …

In heart failure, continuous RAAS activation intensifies cardiac workload, causing fatal tissue remodeling if untreated. Heart failure pharmacotherapy …

In heart failure, a decrease in blood pressure causes baroreceptors to trigger compensatory sympathetic mechanisms. These mechanisms increase heart rate …