What is the function of the heart?

The heart is a vital organ in our body responsible for pumping blood that provides the nutrients and oxygen that the cells need to function correctly. In addition, the heart is controlled by a series of mechanisms that allow it to regulate its rhythm and strength.

Regulation of cardiac function

Good regulation of cardiac function is crucial so that the heart can adapt to the metabolic demands of the body at all times. For this, there are different mechanisms that regulate its activity, such as nervous system autonomic and hormones such as adrenaline

inotropes

Inotropic drugs are those that aim to modify the force of contraction of the heart. These drugs can increase contractility (+inotropics) or decrease it (-inotropics). For example, digitalis glycosides are inotropic drugs used to treat heart failure and act by increasing the pumping efficiency of the heart.

Chronotropic

Chronotropic drugs act at the sinus node, the heart's natural "pacemaker", and can accelerate (+chronotropic) or decrease (-chronotropic) the heart rate. For example, beta-blockers are chronotropic drugs used to treat hypertension and act by slowing the heart rate.

Dromotropics

Dromotropic drugs act at the level of the electrical conduction pathways of the heart and can increase (+dromotropic) or decrease (-dromotropic) the conduction speed of electrical impulses. For example, antiallergics such as diphenhydramine are dromotropic drugs that are used to treat supraventricular tachycardias and that act by slowing the conduction speed of electrical impulses.

Conclusion

In summary, the regulation of cardiac function is essential to maintain proper functioning of the heart and to adapt to the metabolic demands of the body. Inotropic, chronotropic and dromotropic drugs are essential tools in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and must be prescribed and monitored by trained and authorized healthcare personnel.

References

• French, S. (2019). Basic Manual of Cardiovascular Physiology. Panamericana Medical Editorial.
• Fuster, V., Narula, J., & Walsh, R.A. (2019). Hurst's the heart. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Rang, HP, Dale, MM, Ritter, JM, & Flower, RJ (2020). Pharmacology. Churchill Livingstone

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