Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology)

This volume provides a much-needed bridge between clinical cardiology and basic science. The first section is concerned with cellular and clinical electrophysiology and with the classification of human cardiac arrythmias and of the modes of action of antiarrhythmic drugs. The next part deals with clinical pharmacology and provides a practical manual for cardiologists in the choice of drug regimes appropriate to each type of arrhythmia. The final section discusses various aspects of arrhythmogenesis including ischaemia, drug intoxication, congenital abnormality or previous pathology, and the possible involvement of autonomic receptors, cAMP, plasma fatty acids, prostanoids, or free radicles. As a whole, the designed volume offers a general survey of the origin and treatment of arrhythmias, while each chapter provides detailed specialized information. It will be a valuable source for all those seeking to understand the causes of, and to find remedies for, abnormalities of cardiac rhythm.