Which agent can be used to treat tachyarrhythmias?

Which agent can be used to treat tachyarrhythmias?

• A. Metoprolol
• B. Amlodipine
• C. Dopamine
• D. Furosemide

Answer: (A)

In tachyarrhythmias, slowing the heart rate and reducing AV nodal conduction helps restore a steadier rhythm and improve cardiac filling. Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker that mainly targets the heart, reducing SA node automaticity and AV node conduction. This slows the ventricular response in fast rhythms such as SVT or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate, making it a primary option for rate control. Amlodipine, while it lowers blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscle, has limited effect on AV nodal conduction and is not the agent of choice for rate control in tachyarrhythmias. Dopamine can increase heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, potentially worsening tachyarrhythmias. Furosemide reduces fluid overload but does not address the rhythm itself.

In tachyarrhythmias, slowing the heart rate and reducing AV nodal conduction helps restore a steadier rhythm and improve cardiac filling. Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker that mainly targets the heart, reducing SA node automaticity and AV node conduction. This slows the ventricular response in fast rhythms such as SVT or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate, making it a primary option for rate control.

Amlodipine, while it lowers blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscle, has limited effect on AV nodal conduction and is not the agent of choice for rate control in tachyarrhythmias. Dopamine can increase heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, potentially worsening tachyarrhythmias. Furosemide reduces fluid overload but does not address the rhythm itself.