Are SK Channels a Logical Target for Treating Ventricular Arrhythmias? First, do no harm

Advances in the use of selective ion channel blockers in the pharmacologic treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in the past half century have been slow, incremental and bumpy. The CAST trial made evident the danger of suppressing ventricular ectopy using selective sodium channel blockers in the setting of ischemic heart disease [1]. While selective hERG channel blockers are used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, the risk of Torsade de Pointes associated with these drugs is well recognized, and all new drugs are now screened for interaction with this channel and risk of ventricular proarrhythmia.
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research