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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Drugs for Heart Arrhythmia
Introduction
Heart arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular. To manage arrhythmia, cardiologists often prescribe specific medications that regulate electrical impulses in the heart.
Main Classes of Antiarrhythmic Drugs
1. Sodium Channel Blockers (Class I)
These drugs slow down the conduction of electrical signals in the heart. - Examples: Quinidine, Procainamide, Lidocaine, Flecainide - Uses: Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias - Side effects: Dizziness, nausea, cardiac conduction issues
2. Beta-Blockers (Class II)
These reduce heart rate and control stress-related arrhythmias. - Examples: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol - Uses: Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia - Side effects: Fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness
3. Potassium Channel Blockers (Class III)
These prolong the electrical phase of heartbeats. - Examples: Amiodarone, Sotalol, Dofetilide - Uses: Atrial fibrillation, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias - Side effects: Thyroid issues (amiodarone), lung toxicity, QT prolongation
4. Calcium Channel Blockers (Class IV)
These slow conduction in the heart’s electrical system. - Examples: Verapamil, Diltiazem - Uses: Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia - Side effects: Low blood pressure, constipation, dizziness
5. Other Medications
- Digoxin: Strengthens heart contractions and slows heart rate.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, NOACs): Prevent blood clots in atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion
The choice of medication depends on the type of arrhythmia, underlying heart conditions, and possible drug interactions. It’s essential to follow your cardiologist’s recommendations and undergo regular monitoring.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.