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Mexiletine has several uses including the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias, chronic pain, and myotonia. In general when treating arrhythmias, mexiletine is reserved for use in dangerous heart rhythm disturbances such as ventricular tachycardia. [3] It is of particular use when treating arrhythmias caused by long QT syndrome. [4]
Several groups of drugs slow conduction through the heart, without actually preventing an arrhythmia. These drugs can be used to "rate control" a fast rhythm and make it physically tolerable for the patient. [citation needed] Some arrhythmias promote blood clotting within the heart and increase the risk of embolus and stroke.
The most common underlying causes are different, depending on the patient's age. Common cardiac causes include coronary artery disease, non-atherosclerotic coronary artery abnormalities, structural heart damage, and inherited arrhythmias. Common non-cardiac causes include respiratory arrest, diabetes, medications, and trauma.
Two distinct drug classes in which cardiotoxicity can occur are in anti-cancer and antiarrhythmic drugs. Anti-cancer drug classes that cause cardiotoxicity include anthracyclines, monoclonal antibodies, and antimetabolites. This form generally manifests as a progressive form of heart failure, but can also manifest as an harmful arrhythmia. [2]
[1] [5] People with TIC may have symptoms associated with heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath or ankle swelling) and/or symptoms related to the tachycardia or arrhythmia (e.g. palpitations). [1] [2] Though atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of TIC, several tachycardias and arrhythmias have been associated with the disease. [5] [1]
Biological Toxins such as Diphtheria toxin [18]; Radiation Therapy is known to cause radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) [19] These agents can lead to varying degrees of cardiotoxicity, and their effects may be dose-dependent and influenced by individual factors such as pre-existing cardiovascular disease and genetic predispositions that can foster greater sensitivity to any cardiac damage.
Antiarrhythmic agents, also known as cardiac dysrhythmia medications, are a class of drugs that are used to suppress abnormally fast rhythms (tachycardias), such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia.
Flecainide is a medication used to prevent and treat abnormally fast heart rates. [1] This includes ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias. [1] Its use is only recommended in those with dangerous arrhythmias or when significant symptoms cannot be managed with other treatments. [1] Its use does not decrease a person's risk of death. [1]