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Mechanisms of Disease: new mechanisms of antiarrhythmic actions

Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine volume 1, pages 37–41 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developed countries. Despite intensive investigation, the cellular mechanisms for most cardiac arrhythmias have not been clearly established. As a consequence, drug therapy for most forms of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias remains largely empirical and ineffective, leading to the increased use of nonpharmacologic treatments. Clearly, new approaches to the prevention of cardiac arrhythmias are needed. Here we review the current experimental basis for several promising antiarrhythmic strategies, with a focus on those targeted against atrial and ventricular fibrillation. Although none of these strategies is yet ready for clinical application, they provide a basis for cautious optimism that effective pharmacologic therapy for fatal cardiac rhythm disturbances could be forthcoming.

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Acknowledgements

Grants given by: NIH, National Science Foundation, American Heart Association, New York State Affiliate Inc and Krannert Charitable Trust.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

    Robert F Gilmour Jr & Douglas P Zipes

  2. Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Robert F Gilmour Jr & Douglas P Zipes

Authors
  1. Robert F Gilmour Jr
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  2. Douglas P Zipes
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Correspondence to Robert F Gilmour Jr.

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DZ is a consultant for and has received grants from Medtronic.

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Gilmour, R., Zipes, D. Mechanisms of Disease: new mechanisms of antiarrhythmic actions. Nat Rev Cardiol 1, 37–41 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpcardio0024

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