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Tag: Cardiac conduction

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What are the worst side effects of diltiazem?

4 min read
In 2010, more than 10,000 cases of calcium channel blocker toxicity were reported in the US, underscoring the severity of potential adverse events with this class of drugs. For individuals prescribed this medication, it is crucial to understand precisely **what are the worst side effects of diltiazem?**

What is the mechanism of action of atropine in the AV node?

5 min read
Over 20% of bradydysrhythmias are caused by abnormalities in the endogenous cardiac electrical system, and atropine is often a first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Understanding **what is the mechanism of action of atropine in the AV node?** is crucial for its effective clinical use, as its action directly counters excessive vagal tone to improve conduction.

What is the role of atropine in the heart?

3 min read
Did you know that atropine, a medication derived from the deadly nightshade plant, has a long-standing history as a first-line treatment for an abnormally slow heart rate, or bradycardia? This anticholinergic drug plays a critical role in emergency medicine by addressing certain cardiac rhythm disturbances, but to truly grasp **what is the role of atropine in the heart**, one must understand its mechanism of action within the autonomic nervous system.