Biophysical and molecular targets

Abstract

Cardiac arrhythmia is the leading cause of death in the Western world despite significant therapeutic improvements by surgical, interventional, and pharmacological approaches in the last decade. This chapter reviews the latest research in identifying drugs and targets with the aim of preventing the arrhythmia. We discuss the therapeutic regulation of ion channels which are important targets that are modulated by a range of currently prescribed drugs. Next we review efficacies of upstream therapies, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and calcium channel blockers in preventing specific mechanisms of arrhythmias. We conclude with the current knowledge about microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases which are emerging as interesting new drug targets. The potential advantages of pharmacological antiarrhythmic agents motivate continued efforts to identify novel therapeutic means to restore and maintain cardiac rhythm. This review provides a succinct overview of some of the current investigational or recently approved strategies for improving efficacy and safety of antiarrhythmic therapies.