Innovative approaches to anti-arrhythmic drug therapy.
Normal cardiac function requires an appropriate and regular beating rate (cardiac rhythm). When the heart rhythm is too fast or too slow, cardiac function can be impaired, with derangements that vary from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. Irregularities, particularly those involving excessively fast or slow rates, constitute cardiac 'arrhythmias'. In the past, drug treatment of cardiac arrhythmias has proven difficult, both because of inadequate effectiveness and a risk of serious complications. However, a variety of recent advances have opened up exciting possibilities for the development of novel and superior approaches to arrhythmia therapy. This article will review recent progress and future prospects for treating two particularly important cardiac arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation.
Nattel
Stanley
S
Department of Medicine and Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1T 1C8. stanley.nattel@icm-mhi.org
Carlsson
Leif
L
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents