Tag: Ventricular fibrillation

Lidocaine is a Class Ib antiarrhythmic agent that has been used for decades to treat certain cardiac conditions, particularly ventricular arrhythmias. When administered intravenously, **what does lidocaine IV do to the heart** is block sodium channels, stabilizing heart muscle and suppressing abnormal electrical activity. This action is especially effective in treating life-threatening rhythms that occur in ischemic or injured heart tissue.

Though once a more common heart medication, the use of digoxin has declined significantly in recent decades due to its narrow therapeutic index and risk of toxicity. This is why understanding **what are two contraindications for digoxin** is crucial for patient safety and appropriate medical care. The two most critical contraindications involve potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

An estimated 12.1 million people in the United States are expected to have Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) in 2030 [1.10.1]. For serious heart rhythm issues, a key question is: **what is the drug amiodarone used for?** It is a potent antiarrhythmic agent for life-threatening ventricular and certain atrial arrhythmias [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

According to a 2023 review, lidocaine has reemerged as a second-line therapy for acute sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias, especially those associated with myocardial ischemia. The question of **what does lidocaine do to the heart** is critical, as its targeted action on sodium channels is key to its therapeutic and adverse effects.