Drugs Used to Treat Dysrhythmias

Vocabulary flashcards created from lecture notes on drugs used to treat dysrhythmias, outlining key terms and their definitions.

Dysrhythmias

Abnormalities in the rhythm of the heartbeat caused by either abnormal pacemaker cells firing or blockages in the normal electrical pathway.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart that initiates the heartbeat by controlling the electrical activity.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart and is used for monitoring patients with dysrhythmias.

Class I Antidysrhythmic Agents

Myocardial depressants that inhibit sodium ion movement and are subclassified into Class Ia, Class Ib, and Class Ic agents based on their effects on action potential duration.

Class II Antidysrhythmic Agents

Beta-adrenergic blockers that reduce heart rate and cardiac output by inhibiting cardiac response to sympathetic nerve stimulation.

Class III Antidysrhythmic Agents

Agents that prolong action potentials in cardiac tissues, often used in severe dysrhythmias.

Six Cardinal Signs of Cardiovascular Disease

Chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, edema, syncope, and palpitations.

Adenosine (Adenocard)

A drug that converts supraventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm by strongly depressing SA and AV nodes.

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

A Class III antidysrhythmic agent used to treat life-threatening dysrhythmias, with a notable risk of serious adverse effects.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine)

A Class Ib antidysrhythmic agent that shortens the duration of electrical stimulation, used in specific cardiac conditions.