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Introduction to CV Pharmacology - Orlando Health

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<strong>CV</strong> <strong>Pharmacology</strong><br />

AP Phase Response ECG Waveform<br />

Phase 0<br />

Rapid<br />

Depolarization<br />

Phase 1<br />

Peak Phase<br />

Phase 2<br />

Plateau Phase<br />

Phase 3<br />

Beginning<br />

Repolarization<br />

Phase<br />

Phase 4<br />

Resting Phase<br />

The initial upswing indicates rapid depolarization<br />

by the influx of sodium in<strong>to</strong> the myocardial cell.<br />

Potassium begins exiting cells.<br />

This peak reflects the brief period that sodium<br />

channels close.<br />

Calcium channels open for a slow influx of calcium<br />

ions <strong>to</strong> prolong depolarization.<br />

Calcium plays a key role in myocardial contraction.<br />

This rapid downswing marks the closure of sodium<br />

and calcium channels <strong>to</strong> prevent any further entry<br />

of sodium or calcium in<strong>to</strong> the cell.<br />

Potassium begins <strong>to</strong> move back in<strong>to</strong> the cell.<br />

The cell is now ready for another depolarization<br />

stimulus.<br />

QRS<br />

Absolute Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

QRS<br />

Absolute Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

QRS<br />

Absolute Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

QRS and first half of T wave<br />

Absolute refrac<strong>to</strong>ry period until<br />

midpoint of T wave, then becomes<br />

relative refrac<strong>to</strong>ry period, the last<br />

half of T-wave.<br />

Absolute Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

Relative Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

Last half of T wave as it returns <strong>to</strong><br />

isoelectric line<br />

Relative Refrac<strong>to</strong>ry Period<br />

Keep in mind the ECG only represents electrical heart activity, not the actual contraction<br />

of the heart.<br />

Based on these previously mentioned principles, antidysrhythmic drugs are designed <strong>to</strong> modify<br />

the movement of ions in the various AP phases by altering the electrophysiology of the cardiac<br />

cell. Based on this principle, antidysrhythmics are classified based on their mechanisms of<br />

action and effects on the action potential.<br />

Currently there are four main classes of antidysrhythmics. The classification system (Vaughan-<br />

Williams) can assist you in recalling the actions and adverse effects.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Class I - - Block sodium ion channel<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

Class Ia<br />

Class Ib<br />

Class Ic<br />

Class II (beta-blockers) - Block beta recep<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Class III - Block potassium ion channels<br />

Class IV (calcium channel blockers) - Block calcium ion channels<br />

In general, drugs within the same class are similar in action and adverse effects and some drugs<br />

may have properties of more than one class category. (Example: amiodarone, sotalol). It is also<br />

important <strong>to</strong> note that all antidysrhythmics have the potential (some worse than others) <strong>to</strong><br />

2010 <strong>Orlando</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Education & Development 11

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