Which of the following is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias?

• A. Angiotensin converting enzyme
• B. Angiotensin receptor blockers
• C. Antiarrhythmic
• D. Antianginal agent

Answer: (C)

Treating irregular heart rhythms relies on antiarrhythmic medications that modify the heart’s electrical activity to prevent or stop abnormal rhythms. These drugs work by affecting how ions flow through cardiac cells or by dampening sympathetic signals, which changes how quickly the heart depolarizes and conducts impulses. Some block sodium channels to slow conduction, others prolong repolarization to prevent premature beats, and beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers slow conduction through key pathways like the AV node. By stabilizing the electrical system, these medications help restore and maintain a regular rhythm.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs, while important for blood pressure control and heart failure management, don’t directly treat arrhythmias. Antianginal agents mainly relieve chest pain from ischemia and reduce oxygen demand, rather than correcting rhythm disturbances. So the drug category designed to treat cardiac arrhythmias is the antiarrhythmic.