Control of Cardiac Rhythm

This informative text is co-written by the developer of the first established classification of antiarrhythmic drugs. It covers the basics of antiarrythmic therapy and electrophysiology, and presents focused discussion on the latest findings in the field. Well-organized, the guide discusses the Vaughan Williams classes of antiarrhythmic agents; the breakdown of the class I agents into Ia, Ib, Ic categories; and a new addition to the classification of type III agents, dividing them into those that have beta blocking effects and those that do not. In addition, the authors review the importance of this classification system, and explain the problems inherent in the Sicilian Gambit system. Two exciting chapters on the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias take basic pharmacology and clinical pharmacology principles and apply them to practical management of arrhythmias. Emphasis is placed on looking at drugs from a class effect, covering the toxicities and limitations of each group, allowing application in varied clinical settings.