Most of the cardiac arrhythmia are relatively harmless and do not require treatment. Nevertheless, some types of arrhythmias particularly those that are severe or last a long time might be dangerous since they can prevent the heart from pumping sufficient blood all over the body. If this is the case, there are 3 main classes of medications that are useful.
Commonly used medications for cardiac arrhythmias
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
The anti-arrhythmic drugs work by changing the electrical properties of the cardiac tissue which changes the way in which the heart’s electrical signal spreads all over the heart.
Since tachycardia is usually linked to irregularities in the electrical signaling, medications that change the heart’s electrical signal often improves the arrhythmia. The anti-arrhythmic drugs are often effective or partly effective in managing most variants of tachycardia.
It is sad to note that anti-arrhythmic drugs are hard to take. Remember that every drug has its own distinct toxicity profile and before one is given, the doctor has to carefully explain the potential side effects. One side effect that is common to all anti-arrhythmic drugs is the worsening of the arrhythmia. Take note that this drug must only be used when unquestionably required.
AV nodal blocking drugs
AV nodal blocking drugs which includes calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and digoxin work by slowing down the heart’s electrical signal as it goes through the AV node on its way from the atria to the ventricles.
These medications are useful in the management of some forms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Take note that certain forms of SVT necessitate the AV node to transmit the electrical signal efficiently and if the AV node conducts the electrical signal slowly, the SVT eventually stops.
Medications that minimize the risk for sudden death
There are some medications that are believed to minimize the risk for sudden death apparently by minimizing the risk for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation which are the types of erratic heart rates that lead to cardiac arrest.
Based on studies, it reveals that beta blockers are likely to minimize the risk of sudden death by blocking the effect of adrenaline on the heart muscle, thus minimizing the chances of developing deadly arrhythmia. Individuals who have survived heart attacks or have heart failure must be using beta blockers.