Final answer:
Cardiac arrhythmias can be affected by adrenergic drugs that stimulate the sympathetic system or cholinergic drugs that affect the parasympathetic system. β-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol are used to treat arrhythmias sympatholytically, but care must be taken to avoid detrimental side effects such as bradycardia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can be influenced by adrenergic or cholinergic side effects. Adrenergic drugs, also known as sympathomimetic drugs, stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and can lead to increased heart rate, hypertension, and increased probability of heart attacks. In contrast, cholinergic drugs, known as parasympathomimetic drugs, affect the parasympathetic nervous system and can cause symptoms like indigestion, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. Treatment for cardiac conditions often involves β-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol, which are sympatholytic medications that block β-receptors associated with increased heart rate and vasoconstriction.Side effects like agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, nausea, and vomiting can occur with both types of drugs. Moreover, overprescription of β-blockers can lead to bradycardia and possible heart stoppage. It's crucial to balance medication to treat arrhythmias effectively without causing additional health issues.