Cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia refers to a diverse group of conditions characterized by electrical impulses in the heart that do not function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly (StatPearls, NBK538140). It is a pathological disease state or clinical indication resulting from underlying issues such as structural heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or genetic mutations in ion channel proteins (Mayo Clinic, 2023). While often discussed in the context of drug discovery, 'Cardiac arrhythmia' itself is not a specific molecular target like a receptor or enzyme; rather, it is the condition that specific therapeutic targets—such as the Sodium channel protein type 5 subunit alpha (SCN5A) or the Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2)—are intended to treat (NIH, NHLBI). Anti-arrhythmic drugs are classified by the Vaughan Williams system based on which molecular component of the cardiac action potential they modulate (PubMed, PMC4012013). Because this term identifies a clinical diagnosis rather than a discrete biological molecule, it is classified as an incorrect entry for a therapeutic target.

Other names

DysrhythmiaHeart rhythm disorderIrregular heartbeatCardiac dysrhythmia

Not applicable as this is a disease state; however, therapeutic interventions typically involve the inhibition of specific ion channels (sodium, potassium, or calcium) or the antagonism of adrenergic receptors to modulate the cardiac action potential and restore normal sinus rhythm.