Chapter 17, Problem 2AYKA

Summary Introduction

To review:

The effect of newer drug, ivabradine, on the heart rate and heart cells.

Introduction:

The cardiac cycles of the heart are measured in the form of heart rates. A cardiac cycle is the alternate ventricular systole and diastole, which occurs about 60–80 times per minute in a healthy adult. The increased heart rate prevents the proper diffusion of blood through the organs leaving them fatigued. Ivabradine is a specific and selective inhibitor of the sinus node pacemaker current, which is also known as the funny current or the I_f current. The drug is used in the treatment of the patients suffering from high heart rate.