Dromotropic

Derives from the Greek word "Dromos", meaning running, a course, a race. A dromotropic agent is one which affects the conduction speed in the AV node, and subsequently the rate of electrical impulses in the heart.^[1][2]

Agents that are dromotropic are often (but not always) inotropic and chronotropic. For example, parasympathetic stimulation is usually negatively dromotropic, inotropic, and chronotropic.

Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as verapamil block the slow inward calcium current in cardiac tissues thereby having a negatively dromotropic, chronotropic and inotropic effect^[3]. This (and other) pharmacological effect makes these drugs useful in the treatment of angina pectoris. Conversely, they can lead to symptomatic disturbances in cardiac conduction and bradyarrhythmias, and may aggravate left ventricular failure^[4].

References

1. ^ Chronotropic and dromotropic responses to stimulation of intracardiac sympathetic nerves to sinoatrial or atrioventricular nodal region in anesthetized dogs - Furukawa et al. 66 (5): 1391 - Circulation Research
2. ^ Dromotropic at eMedicine Dictionary
3. ^ eTG complete
4. ^ AccessMedicine - Harrison's Internal Medicine: Stable Angina Pectoris