Classification and choice of antiarrhythmic therapies
Anna Barton, Mark G. McGowan, Alison Smyth, Gary A. Wright, Roy S. Gardner
Abstract
Antiarrhythmic medications are categorised according to where they act on the cardiac action potential, and choice of treatment should take into account the type of arrhythmia being managed, patient co‐morbidities and adverse effects. This article discusses the classification of antiarrhythmic therapies, their mechanisms of action, indications and side‐effect profiles, with a focus on the most common type of sustained arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineAtrial fibrillationCardiac arrhythmiaIntensive care medicineAdverse effectAction (physics)Anti-Arrhythmia AgentsCardiologyInternal medicinePhysicsQuantum mechanicsAtrial Fibrillation Management and OutcomesCardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmiasCardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments