dromotropy
Pronunciation: dro-MAH-tro-pee
The property affecting cardiac conduction velocity; positive dromotropy increases conduction speed while negative dromotropy slows it.
Full Definition
The cardiac property that governs the speed of electrical impulse conduction through the heart's conduction system, particularly through the atrioventricular node. Positive dromotropic effects increase conduction velocity and can shorten PR intervals, while negative dromotropic effects slow conduction and may cause heart block. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers exhibit negative dromotropic effects, while sympathetic stimulation provides positive dromotropic effects. In cardiac anesthesia, understanding dromotropic effects is crucial for managing conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with chronotropy; dromotropy affects conduction speed, not heart rate per se.
In Context
- "The calcium channel blocker's negative dromotropy resulted in first-degree AV block." — ECG interpretation
- "Positive dromotropy from sympathetic stimulation improved AV conduction in the bradycardic patient." — Pharmacology discussion