Dromotropic

Dromotropic refers to the effect on the speed of conduction. Positive dromotropy increases conduction speed, while negative dromotropy decreases it. This term is often used in the context of the heart's conduction system.

Overview

In the context of the heart, dromotropic effect refers to the change in speed at which the cardiac impulse travels through the conduction system. This is influenced by certain factors such as autonomic input, drugs, and diseases. The autonomic nervous system plays a significant role in controlling the heart rate and the speed of conduction.

Autonomic Influence

The autonomic nervous system has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system, through the release of norepinephrine, has a positive dromotropic effect, meaning it increases the speed of conduction. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system, through the release of acetylcholine, has a negative dromotropic effect, meaning it decreases the speed of conduction.

Drug Influence

Certain drugs can also influence the dromotropic effect. For instance, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers have a negative dromotropic effect, slowing down the speed of conduction. Conversely, drugs like digitalis and dopamine have a positive dromotropic effect, increasing the speed of conduction.

Disease Influence

Diseases can also affect the dromotropic effect. Conditions such as ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy can slow down the speed of conduction, resulting in a negative dromotropic effect.

See Also

• Chronotropic
• Inotropic
• Bathmotropic

Dromotropic Resources
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