Anti-arrhythmic is a term used in the medical field to describe drugs or medications that are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. This article will explore the definition and meaning of anti-arrhythmic, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Anti-arrhythmic drugs are medications that are used to control or prevent abnormal heart rhythms. These drugs work by either slowing down the heart rate or by altering the electrical impulses that control the heart’s rhythm. They are used to treat a variety of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.
Origin
The term anti-arrhythmic comes from the Greek words “anti,” which means against, and “rhythmos,” which means rhythm. The first anti-arrhythmic drugs were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and they have been used ever since to treat heart rhythm disorders.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anti-arrhythmic is defined as “a drug used to treat or prevent abnormal heart rhythms.” The Oxford English dictionary defines it as “a drug used to prevent or treat irregular heartbeats.”
Associations
Anti-arrhythmic drugs are often associated with the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, but they can also have side effects. Some of the side effects of anti-arrhythmic drugs include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
Synonyms
Synonyms for anti-arrhythmic include rhythm control drugs, heart rhythm medications, and arrhythmia medications.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for anti-arrhythmic, but medications that increase heart rate or stimulate the heart are often used to treat bradycardia or slow heart rate.
The same root words
The root words “anti” and “rhythmos” are also found in other medical terms, such as anti-inflammatory (against inflammation) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Example Sentences
- The patient was prescribed an anti-arrhythmic drug to control his atrial fibrillation.
- The side effects of anti-arrhythmic drugs can include dizziness and fatigue.
- The doctor recommended an anti-arrhythmic medication to treat the patient’s ventricular tachycardia.