Antyarytmiczne

Antyarytmiczne, commonly referred to as antiarrhythmic drugs, are a class of medications used to treat irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. These drugs work by affecting the electrical activity of the heart, specifically targeting the ion channels and receptors that control the electrical impulses responsible for maintaining a regular heartbeat. Arrhythmias can manifest as a heart beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or erratically.

The classification of antiarrhythmic drugs is typically based on their mechanism of action, with the Vaughan Williams classification being widely adopted. This system categorizes drugs into four main classes, each with distinct effects on cardiac electrophysiology. Class I drugs, for instance, block sodium channels, influencing the speed of electrical impulse conduction. Class II drugs are beta-blockers, which reduce the heart's response to stress hormones. Class III drugs primarily prolong the action potential duration by blocking potassium channels, while Class IV drugs are calcium channel blockers that slow conduction through the atrioventricular node.

The choice of antiarrhythmic drug depends on the specific type of arrhythmia, the patient's overall health, and potential side effects. While effective in managing many cardiac rhythm disorders, antiarrhythmic drugs can also carry significant risks, including the possibility of worsening the existing arrhythmia or causing new ones (proarrhythmic effect), as well as other adverse reactions. Therefore, their use requires careful medical supervision and monitoring.