22.2 Cardiac Emergency Drugs
5 min read•june 18, 2024
Cardiac emergency drugs are the lifesavers of critical care. These fast-acting meds tackle life-threatening heart issues like cardiac arrest and severe . They work quickly through IV, IM, or ET routes to get your ticker back on track.
But with great power comes great responsibility. These drugs need close monitoring and can have serious side effects. They're often used alongside and defibrillation as part of a full-on heart rescue mission.
Cardiac Emergency Drugs
Key characteristics
Top images from around the web for Key characteristics
Common Cardiac Medications During Surgical Procedures | Arun | Journal of Cardiology and Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Dexmedetomidine Improves Cardiovascular and Ventilatory Outcomes in Critically Ill ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Cardiac Regeneration: New Insights Into the Frontier of Ischemic Heart Failure Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Common Cardiac Medications During Surgical Procedures | Arun | Journal of Cardiology and Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Dexmedetomidine Improves Cardiovascular and Ventilatory Outcomes in Critically Ill ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Key characteristics
Common Cardiac Medications During Surgical Procedures | Arun | Journal of Cardiology and Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Dexmedetomidine Improves Cardiovascular and Ventilatory Outcomes in Critically Ill ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Cardiac Regeneration: New Insights Into the Frontier of Ischemic Heart Failure Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Common Cardiac Medications During Surgical Procedures | Arun | Journal of Cardiology and Therapy View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Dexmedetomidine Improves Cardiovascular and Ventilatory Outcomes in Critically Ill ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Fast-acting medications used in life-threatening cardiac situations such as cardiac arrest, severe arrhythmias, and
- Administered through various routes, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and (ET) to ensure rapid absorption and onset of action
- Require close monitoring of patient's vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, ) and response to treatment to assess effectiveness and detect potential complications
- May have significant side effects (, dysrhythmias) and potential for adverse reactions () due to their potent effects on the cardiovascular system
- Often used in combination with other interventions, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, as part of a comprehensive treatment approach
Actions and indications
-
- Alpha and beta- increases cardiac output, peripheral , and by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
- Indicated for cardiac arrest, severe , and unresponsive to to restore circulation and maintain blood pressure
- Atropine
- agent increases heart rate by blocking vagal stimulation of the sinoatrial node
- Indicated for and to improve cardiac output and perfusion
-
- agent prolongs action potential duration and refractory period in cardiac muscle cells, suppressing abnormal electrical activity
- Indicated for (VF) and (VT) unresponsive to defibrillation to restore normal sinus rhythm
-
- agent suppresses ventricular ectopy by decreasing automaticity and conductivity in the myocardium
- Indicated for VF and pulseless VT when is unavailable as an alternative treatment option
-
- Catecholamine with dose-dependent effects: low doses increase renal and mesenteric perfusion; moderate doses increase cardiac contractility and heart rate; high doses cause vasoconstriction
- Indicated for cardiogenic shock and symptomatic unresponsive to atropine to improve cardiac function and tissue perfusion
- Vasopressin
- Antidiuretic hormone analog causes vasoconstriction and increases systemic vascular resistance by stimulating V1 receptors in blood vessels
- Indicated for cardiac arrest as an alternative to when initial resuscitation efforts are unsuccessful
Critical nursing considerations
- Ensure proper dosing and administration route
- Double-check drug, dose, and route against physician's order and facility protocol to prevent medication errors
- Use appropriate injection sites and techniques for IV (large vein, rapid bolus), IM (deltoid, vastus lateralis), and ET (via endotracheal tube) administration to ensure optimal absorption
- Monitor patient's response and vital signs
- Assess blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, and saturation before and after administration to evaluate effectiveness and detect complications
- Observe for signs of improvement, such as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or increased perfusion (capillary refill, skin color), to guide further treatment
- Watch for adverse reactions, including dysrhythmias (ventricular ectopy, bradycardia), hypotension, and anaphylaxis (rash, ), and intervene promptly
- Maintain airway and ventilation
- Ensure patent airway and provide oxygen therapy as needed to support oxygenation and ventilation
- Assist with intubation and mechanical ventilation when indicated to protect the airway and optimize gas exchange
- Perform ongoing assessments and interventions
- Continue CPR and defibrillation as per guidelines to maintain circulation and correct shockable rhythms
- Obtain and interpret 12-lead electrocardiogram () to guide further treatment based on underlying cardiac pathology
- Administer additional medications (antiarrhythmics, vasopressors) and fluids (crystalloids, blood products) as ordered to support cardiovascular function
- Document administration and patient response
- Record time, dose, route, and site of administration in the patient's medical record for accurate medication reconciliation
- Note changes in vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and clinical status to assess treatment effectiveness and inform future care decisions
- Communicate findings to healthcare team (physicians, nurses) and family members to ensure continuity of care and keep them informed of the patient's condition
Essential patient education
- Importance of taking medications as prescribed
- Emphasize the need for strict adherence to dosing schedule and instructions to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent complications
- Discuss consequences of missed doses or abrupt discontinuation (rebound , arrhythmias) to promote medication compliance
- Potential side effects and when to seek help
- Inform patients of common side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting), and how to manage them
- Advise patients to report severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management
- Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling), difficulty breathing, or chest pain, as these may indicate a serious adverse event
- Lifestyle modifications to support cardiovascular health
- Encourage regular exercise (30 minutes per day), a healthy diet (low in saturated fat and sodium), and stress management techniques (deep breathing, meditation) to reduce risk factors for heart disease
- Discuss the importance of smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption to prevent further damage to the cardiovascular system
- Emphasize the need for regular follow-up appointments and monitoring (blood pressure, cholesterol levels) to detect and manage any ongoing cardiac issues
- Proper storage and disposal of medications
- Instruct patients to store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their potency and stability
- Advise patients to keep medications out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion and toxicity
- Provide guidance on safe disposal of expired or unused medications (returning to pharmacy, using medication take-back programs) to prevent misuse and environmental contamination
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Teach patients and caregivers how to recognize signs of cardiac emergency, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and syncope (fainting), and when to seek immediate medical attention
- Provide instructions on when and how to activate emergency medical services (calling 911) and what information to provide to the dispatcher (location, symptoms, medical history)
- Encourage patients to carry a list of their medications, allergies, and medical history for emergency responders to facilitate accurate and timely treatment
Key Terms to Review (82)
Adenosine: Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that acts on the heart to slow conduction through the AV node, often used in emergency settings to treat supraventricular tachycardia. It has a very short half-life, typically less than 10 seconds.
Adrenaline: Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication that stimulates the heart and increases blood flow. It is commonly used in emergency situations to treat cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and severe asthma attacks.
Adrenergic agonist: Adrenergic agonists are drugs that stimulate the adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system, mimicking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They are commonly used in cardiac emergencies to increase heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies. It builds upon the foundation of basic life support (BLS) to provide a comprehensive approach to managing critical cardiac and respiratory events.
Alpha Receptors: Alpha receptors are a class of adrenergic receptors found on the surface of various cells in the body. They are activated by the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, and play a crucial role in the regulation of physiological processes, particularly in the context of cardiac emergency drugs.
Amiodarone: Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication primarily used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It works by blocking potassium channels, which helps to stabilize the heart rhythm.
Amiodarone: Amiodarone is a complex antiarrhythmic drug that is primarily used to treat and prevent life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It works by blocking potassium channels, which affects the electrical activity of the heart, making it a key medication in the management of various dysrhythmias as well as in cardiac emergencies.
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. It involves multiple organ systems and can lead to shock and death if not treated promptly.
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, triggering the rapid release of chemicals that cause widespread inflammation and impair breathing and blood circulation.
Antiarrhythmic: Antiarrhythmics are medications used to treat and prevent irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. They work by affecting the electrical impulses in the heart to maintain a normal rhythm.
Antiarrhythmic: Antiarrhythmic drugs are a class of medications used to prevent or treat abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. These drugs work by altering the electrical activity of the heart, helping to restore a normal, regular heartbeat.
Anticholinergic: Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine in the nervous system. They are used to treat various conditions, including those affecting the heart and respiratory systems.
Anticholinergic: Anticholinergic drugs are a class of medications that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for various physiological functions in the body. This term is particularly relevant in the contexts of anti-Parkinsonian drugs, cardiac emergency drugs, and urinary analgesics, as these medications can exhibit anticholinergic effects.
Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias refer to any abnormal or irregular heart rhythm that occurs due to disruptions in the electrical activity of the heart. These disturbances in the heart's normal pacing can lead to a wide range of symptoms and potentially serious complications if left untreated.
Asystole: Asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, resulting in no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output. It is a type of cardiac arrest that is often referred to as 'flatline' on an ECG.
Asystole: Asystole is the complete absence of any cardiac electrical activity, resulting in the cessation of mechanical activity of the heart. It is the most severe form of cardiac arrest, requiring immediate and aggressive intervention to restore normal heart function.
Atropine: Atropine is a potent anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the body. This pharmacological property of atropine allows it to have diverse therapeutic applications in the treatment of nervous system disorders, cholinergic conditions, and cardiac emergencies.
AV node: The atrioventricular (AV) node is a critical component of the heart's electrical conduction system, responsible for coordinating the contraction of the atria and ventricles. It serves as a relay station, receiving electrical impulses from the atria and transmitting them to the ventricles, ensuring the proper timing and sequence of heart contractions.
Beta Receptors: Beta receptors are a type of adrenergic receptor found primarily in the cardiovascular system, smooth muscle, and metabolic tissues. They play a crucial role in mediating the physiological effects of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and the hormone epinephrine, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system.
Beta-1 adrenergic agonist: A beta-1 adrenergic agonist is a drug that specifically stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors located primarily in the heart. This stimulation increases heart rate and force of contraction, making it useful in treating cardiac emergencies.
Bradycardia: Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It can be a sign of an underlying health issue or a side effect of certain medications.
Bradycardia: Bradycardia is a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, typically less than 60 beats per minute. This term is relevant in the context of various cardiovascular and pharmacological topics, as it can be a side effect or complication associated with certain medications and disease states.
Bronchodilation: Bronchodilation is the dilation or widening of the bronchi and bronchioles, the airways within the lungs. This process leads to increased airflow and reduced airway resistance, facilitating easier breathing. Bronchodilation is a crucial mechanism in the management of various respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchospasm.
Bronchospasm: Bronchospasm refers to the sudden, involuntary constriction of the smooth muscles lining the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to narrowing of the airways. This phenomenon is a key feature in various respiratory conditions and can significantly impact breathing function.
Calcium channel blocker: Calcium channel blockers are medications that inhibit the movement of calcium ions through calcium channels, primarily in the heart and blood vessels. They are used to manage hypertension, angina, and certain dysrhythmias.
Cardiogenic Shock: Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to organ failure and potential death. It is a critical complication that can arise from various cardiac emergencies.
Class Ia antiarrhythmic: Class Ia antiarrhythmics are a subclass of sodium channel blockers used to treat certain types of cardiac arrhythmias. They work by slowing down the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart and elongating the action potential duration.
Class III antiarrhythmic: Class III antiarrhythmics are a group of medications that primarily block potassium channels, prolonging repolarization and the duration of the action potential in cardiac cells. These drugs are used to manage serious ventricular and atrial arrhythmias.
Class IV antiarrhythmic: Class IV antiarrhythmics are calcium channel blockers used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. They work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions during cardiac depolarization, which slows down the heart rate.
Class V antidysrhythmic: Class V antidysrhythmics are a category of medications used to manage irregular heartbeats by mechanisms that do not fit into the other four classes. They often include drugs with multiple actions or those whose primary mechanism is not fully understood.
Contraindications: Contraindications refer to specific situations or conditions in which a drug, treatment, or procedure should not be used because it may be harmful or ineffective for the individual. Contraindications are crucial considerations in the context of both cardiac emergency drugs and hormonal, contraception, and infertility drugs, as they help healthcare providers make informed decisions to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes.
CPR: CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency lifesaving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation when a person's breathing and heartbeat have stopped. It is a critical component in the management of cardiac emergencies, which is the focus of the 22.2 Cardiac Emergency Drugs chapter.
Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
Dobutamine: Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine that primarily acts as a beta-1 adrenergic agonist, increasing cardiac output. It is used in acute heart failure and shock to improve myocardial contractility.
Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain's reward and pleasure centers, as well as in the regulation of various physiological processes. It is involved in a wide range of functions, from motor control and cognition to emotional and behavioral responses, making it a key player in understanding and treating numerous nervous system disorders.
Dopaminergic Receptors: Dopaminergic receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that bind the neurotransmitter dopamine. These receptors play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including motor control, reward and motivation, and cognitive function. In the context of cardiac emergency drugs, dopaminergic receptors are particularly relevant for their involvement in the regulation of cardiovascular function.
Drug Interactions: Drug interactions occur when the effects of one drug are altered by the presence of another drug, food, or other substance in the body. These interactions can lead to changes in the drug's intended therapeutic effects, side effects, or both, potentially impacting the overall safety and efficacy of the medication regimen.
ECG: An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, providing critical information about heart function and rhythm. It is essential in diagnosing various cardiac conditions, as it highlights irregularities that can be caused by imbalances in electrolytes, the effects of beta adrenergic blockers, and the need for emergency cardiac drugs.
Endotracheal: Endotracheal refers to something that is related to or situated within the trachea, the airway that connects the larynx to the lungs. In the context of Cardiac Emergency Drugs, endotracheal administration is a route of drug delivery that involves administering medications directly into the trachea, typically through an endotracheal tube.
Epinephrine: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and medication that plays a critical role in the body's fight-or-flight response. It is used in medical emergencies to treat conditions like cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and severe asthma attacks.
Epinephrine: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing the body to handle stressful or dangerous situations. This key term is particularly relevant in the context of various nervous system and cardiovascular drug topics.
Extravasation: Extravasation refers to the unintentional leakage or escape of a substance, such as a medication or intravenous (IV) fluid, from the intended blood vessel or administration site into the surrounding tissue. This can occur during various drug administration routes, chemotherapeutic drug infusions, and the administration of certain cardiac emergency or shock drugs.
Grades of hypertension: Grades of hypertension classify the severity of high blood pressure based on systolic and diastolic measurements. These grades help guide treatment decisions and risk assessment.
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity is the occurrence of liver damage due to exposure to certain substances, including drugs. It can lead to serious health complications and requires careful monitoring.
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity refers to the potential for certain drugs, chemicals, or other substances to cause liver damage or dysfunction. It is a critical consideration in the development and use of various medications and treatments.
Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. It is a key term that is closely connected to various topics in pharmacology, including the management of cardiovascular conditions and the use of specific drug classes to control blood pressure.
Hypotension: Hypotension is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low blood pressure, where the systolic blood pressure falls below 90 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure falls below 60 mmHg. This can have significant implications on the body's ability to circulate blood and deliver oxygen and nutrients to vital organs.
Inotrope: Inotropes are medications that alter the force or energy of cardiac contractions. They are crucial in managing heart conditions, especially during cardiac emergencies and shock.
Inotropic agent: An inotropic agent is a substance that alters the force or energy of cardiac muscle contractions. These agents are commonly used to manage heart failure and other cardiac emergencies.
Intraosseous: Intraosseous (IO) refers to the administration of fluids, medications, or other substances directly into the medullary cavity of a bone, bypassing the traditional intravenous (IV) route. This method provides rapid and reliable access to the circulatory system when standard IV access is difficult or impossible, making it a critical technique in the context of cardiac emergency drugs.
Lidocaine: Lidocaine is a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias. It works by blocking sodium channels, thereby stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane.
Muscarinic Receptors: Muscarinic receptors are a type of acetylcholine receptor that are primarily found in the parasympathetic nervous system and are responsible for mediating the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including cardiac function, gastrointestinal motility, and bladder control, and are the target of both therapeutic drugs and toxins.
Nitrate: Nitrate is a vasodilator commonly used in the treatment of angina and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, thereby reducing the workload on the heart.
Nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin is a nitrate medication used to treat angina pectoris and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart.
Opioid agonist: An opioid agonist is a drug that activates opioid receptors in the brain and body to produce analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. They are commonly used for moderate to severe pain management.
Oxygen: Oxygen is a vital gas that supports cellular respiration and energy production in tissues. In medical emergencies, it is administered to improve tissue oxygenation and support critical bodily functions.
Oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation (SpO2) is a measure of the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen. It is a critical parameter in assessing a patient's respiratory function and overall oxygenation status.
Pediatric clients: Pediatric clients are children and adolescents who require medical care, including pharmacological treatments. Special considerations must be made for their unique physiological and developmental needs.
Pharmacodynamics: Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs affect the body, including mechanisms of action and drug-receptor interactions. It examines the relationship between drug concentration and effect.
Pharmacodynamics: Pharmacodynamics is the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action within the body. It examines how drugs interact with the body's biological systems to produce their desired therapeutic effects or undesired side effects.
Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body affects a drug, including the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. It examines the movement of drugs within the body and how these processes impact the drug's concentration and duration of action.
Potassium Channels: Potassium channels are specialized membrane proteins that allow the selective and regulated passage of potassium ions (K+) across the cell membrane. These channels play a crucial role in the conduction of electrical impulses and the regulation of cardiac function, making them an important topic in the study of pharmacology, nursing, and related fields.
Procainamide: Procainamide is a Class I antiarrhythmic medication used to treat ventricular and atrial dysrhythmias. It works by blocking sodium channels, thereby slowing conduction and prolonging the cardiac action potential.
Pulmonary Toxicity: Pulmonary toxicity refers to the adverse effects that certain drugs or substances can have on the lungs, leading to impaired respiratory function and potentially serious health consequences. This term is particularly relevant in the context of Class III Potassium Channel Blockers and Cardiac Emergency Drugs, as these pharmacological agents can interact with the pulmonary system and cause pulmonary-related side effects.
Pulseless electrical activity: Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) is a clinical condition where the heart shows electrical activity on an ECG but fails to produce a palpable pulse or effective blood circulation. It is a form of cardiac arrest that requires immediate medical intervention.
Pulseless Electrical Activity: Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a cardiac arrest state characterized by the presence of organized electrical activity on the electrocardiogram (ECG) without a palpable pulse or blood pressure. This indicates that the heart is contracting but is unable to generate sufficient cardiac output to maintain vital organ perfusion.
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid heartbeats originating from the ventricles without effective blood circulation. It requires immediate medical intervention.
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used in dermatology for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also utilized in various medical treatments, including the management of acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Sodium Channels: Sodium channels are specialized protein structures embedded in the cell membrane that allow the selective passage of sodium ions (Na+) across the membrane. These channels play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of electrical impulses in various physiological processes, including the conduction of nerve signals, the contraction of cardiac muscle, and the regulation of intraocular pressure.
Supplemental oxygen: Supplemental oxygen is the administration of additional oxygen to support patients with compromised respiratory function. It is commonly used in emergencies to ensure adequate oxygenation in the blood.
Supraventricular tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rate originating above the heart's ventricles. It often results in episodes of palpitations and can affect cardiac output.
Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that originates above the ventricles, typically in the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate, often greater than 150 beats per minute, that can significantly impact the heart's ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
Sympathomimetic: Sympathomimetic drugs are a class of medications that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by stimulating adrenergic receptors. They are commonly used in the context of cardiac emergency drugs to manage various cardiovascular conditions.
Symptomatic bradycardia: Symptomatic bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate is abnormally slow, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications.
Tachycardia: Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. This abnormally fast heart rhythm can have various underlying causes and is an important consideration in several medical conditions and drug therapies.
Therapeutic index: Therapeutic index (TI) is the ratio of the toxic dose to the therapeutic dose of a drug, indicating its safety margin. A higher TI means a greater margin between effective and toxic doses, making the drug safer.
Therapeutic Index: The therapeutic index, also known as the therapeutic ratio, is a measure of the relative safety of a drug. It is the ratio between the dose that causes a toxic effect and the dose that produces the desired therapeutic effect. A higher therapeutic index indicates a wider margin of safety for a drug, meaning it has a lower risk of causing adverse effects when used at the recommended therapeutic dose.
Vasoconstriction: Vasoconstriction is the narrowing or constriction of blood vessels, specifically the arteries and arterioles, which leads to a decrease in blood flow and blood pressure. This physiological process is an important mechanism in the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure throughout the body.
Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, erratic electrical impulses in the ventricles. This condition leads to ineffective blood pumping and can result in sudden cardiac arrest.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, disorganized, and ineffective contractions of the ventricles, leading to a loss of effective blood pumping by the heart. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Ventricular tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, characterized by at least three consecutive heartbeats at a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. It can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrest, if not promptly treated.
Ventricular Tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid, abnormal heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. It is a potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to decreased blood flow and cardiac arrest if not properly managed.