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chronotropic agent
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chronotropic agent

drug
Also known as: chronotropic drug
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Quick Summary

A chronotropic agent is a substance that alters the heart rate. These agents can either increase (positive chronotropic effect) or decrease (negative chronotropic effect) the heart's rhythm.1

The heart rate is influenced by the opposing actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. Sympathetic stimulation and epinephrine generally increase heart rate, while acetylcholine, released by parasympathetic nerves, decreases it.1

Adrenergic drugs, which affect the sympathetic nervous system, can act as chronotropic agents. For example, some sympathomimetic drugs that mimic the effects of norepinephrine can increase heart rate. Conversely, certain sympatholytic agents, like beta-blockers, can slow the heart rate by blocking the action of norepinephrine on the heart.21

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. adrenergic drug
  2. cardiovascular drug

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