What is the Difference Between Chronotropic and Dromotropic?

Chronotropic and dromotropic effects refer to the changes in heart rate and electrical conduction velocity in the heart, respectively. Both effects are seen in response to various cardiac drugs and can be positive or negative.

Chronotropic Effects:

• Chronotropic drugs affect the heart rate.
• Positive chronotropic drugs increase the heart rate, while negative chronotropic drugs decrease the heart rate.
• Examples of positive chronotropic drugs include adrenergic agonists, atropine, dopamine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol.
• Examples of negative chronotropic drugs include metoprolol, acetylcholine, and digoxin.

Dromotropic Effects:

• Dromotropic drugs affect the conduction velocity in the heart.
• Positive dromotropic drugs increase the conduction velocity, while negative dromotropic drugs decrease the conduction velocity.
• Examples of positive dromotropic drugs include epinephrine.
• Examples of negative dromotropic drugs include beta-blockers.

In summary, the main difference between chronotropic and dromotropic effects is that chronotropic effects are related to changes in heart rate, while dromotropic effects are related to changes in the speed of electrical conduction through the heart.

Comparative Table: Chronotropic vs Dromotropic

Chronotropic and dromotropic drugs are types of cardiac drugs that affect the heart's rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction. Here is a table highlighting the differences between these two types of drugs:

Both chronotropic and dromotropic drugs are used to treat various heart and blood vessel conditions, known as cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, angina, and stroke.