Flecainide and antiarrhythmic effects in a mouse model of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2012 Feb;22(2):35-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2012.06.008. Epub 2012 Aug 4.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that flecainide may be an effective therapy to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Several hypotheses have been advanced to explain the antiarrhythmic mechanism of flecainide, including Na(+) channel blockade and a direct inhibitory action on the ryanodine receptor. In this article, we review the current literature on the topic and summarize the elements of the existing debate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Catecholamines*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Flecainide / pharmacokinetics
  • Flecainide / therapeutic use*
  • Mice
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / drug therapy*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Catecholamines
  • Flecainide

Supplementary concepts

  • Polymorphic catecholergic ventricular tachycardia