Dromotropic
Dromotropic derives from the Greek word "dromos", meaning running, a course, a race. A dromotropic agent is one which affects the conduction speed in the AV node, and subsequently the rate of electrical impulses in the heart.[1][2]
Agents that are dromotropic are often (but not always) inotropic and chronotropic. For example, parasympathetic stimulation is usually negatively dromotropic, inotropic, and chronotropic.
Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as verapamil block the slow inward calcium current in cardiac tissues, thereby having a negatively dromotropic, chronotropic and inotropic effect.[3] This (and other) pharmacological effect makes these drugs useful in the treatment of angina pectoris. Conversely, they can lead to symptomatic disturbances in cardiac conduction and bradyarrhythmias, and may aggravate left ventricular failure.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Dromotropic at eMedicine Dictionary
- ↑ eTG complete
- ↑ AccessMedicine - Harrison's Internal Medicine: Stable Angina Pectoris[dead link]
