chronotropy
Pronunciation: kron-AH-tro-pee
The property related to heart rate regulation; positive chronotropy increases heart rate while negative chronotropy decreases it.
Full Definition
The characteristic of cardiac function that relates to the regulation of heart rate through changes in the rate of spontaneous depolarization of the sinoatrial node. Positive chronotropic agents such as isoproterenol or dopamine increase heart rate, while negative chronotropic agents like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers decrease it. In cardiac anesthesia, understanding chronotropic effects is essential for managing heart rate-dependent cardiac output and selecting appropriate vasoactive medications during the perioperative period.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from dromotropy (conduction) and inotropy (contractility).
In Context
- "The patient required positive chronotropy to maintain adequate cardiac output given the fixed stroke volume." — Postoperative management
- "Beta-blockade provided negative chronotropy to reduce myocardial oxygen consumption." — Medication review