Proarrhythmia
Proarrhythmia
Proarrhythmia (pronounced pro-ar-rhythm-ia) is a medical term that refers to a new or more frequent occurrence of pre-existing arrhythmias, paradoxically precipitated by antiarrhythmic therapy.
Etymology
The term "Proarrhythmia" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning "before" and "arrhythmia" which means "without rhythm".
Definition
Proarrhythmia is a condition where, instead of alleviating arrhythmia, antiarrhythmic drugs cause or worsen it. This can occur in patients with or without pre-existing cardiac disease. It is a significant concern in cardiology and a major cause of drug withdrawal from the market.
Types
There are several types of Proarrhythmia, including:
- Torsades de pointes: A specific form of ventricular tachycardia that can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and cause sudden death.
- QT interval prolongation: This can lead to torsades de pointes.
- Bradycardia: A slower than normal heart rate, which can lead to a variety of arrhythmias.
- Heart block: A delay or complete block of the electrical impulses that control the heart's beating.
Related Terms
- Antiarrhythmic agent: A type of drug used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart.
- Cardiac arrhythmia: A group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
- Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Proarrhythmia
- Wikipedia's article - Proarrhythmia
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