Abstract
1. Current therapy of heart failure is inadequate, relying on positive inotropic compoundsto increase force of contraction by the heart, diuretics to relieve oedema, vasodilators to decrease cardiac workload and, possibly, β-adrenoceptor antagonists to reverse compensatory responses. Since ion channels control the flux of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- across cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cell membranes, modification of the kinetics of these channels may attenuate disease-induced changes in the cardiovascular system.2. Na+ channel blockers are widely used as antiarrhythmics but produce negative inotropy. Newer compounds, such as BDF 9148, increase Na+ influx by inhibiting inactivation of Na+ channels, prolonging the action potential duration and inhibiting Na+/Ca2+ exchange. These compounds produce positive inotropy possibly with antiarrhythmic actions.3. Ca2+ channel blockers are widely used as vasodilators in hypertension yet may worsen heart failure. Compounds which selectively increase Ca2+ influx into c...
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