Medications
Beta-blockers
These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and slowing down the heart rate. They are commonly used as a first line treatment to many arrhythmias such atrial fibrillation, PVCs and SVTs.
Sodium channel blockers
These drugs work by blocking sodium channels in the heart muscle and slowing down the electrical conduction. They are used as second line treatment to treat atrial and ventricular arrhythmias often in combination with betablockers.
Calcium channel blockers
These drugs work by blocking the entry of calcium into the heart muscle and slowing down the heart rate.
Potassium channel blockers
These drugs work by prolonging the duration of the heart's electrical signals and restoring a normal rhythm.
Antiarrhythmic drugs can be effective in treating heart rhythm disorders, but they also have advantages and disadvantages to consider:
- They tend to be simple to use, help restore the normal rhythm without needing procedures
- Can be taken orally or intravenously, making them convenient for patients who cannot undergo invasive procedures
- Antiarrhythmic drugs often control the arrhythmia rather than cure it, so if the drug is stopped, the arrhythmia often comes back.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs may not be effective for all types of arrhythmias, and the efficacy may vary a lot between different patients and medical conditions.
- They can have side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, which can impact the patient’s daily life.
- They can also interact sometimes with other medications, leading to complications or reduced efficacy.
- Finally, some antiarrhythmic drugs can rarely cause dangerous arrhythmias or worsen the existing arrhythmias, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.
