Bathmotropic

As Bathmotropie ( from Ancient Greek βαθμός bathmos " threshold" and τρόπος tropos " turn, direction " ) refers to the influence of the threshold or the excitability of the heart. Under stimulus or Erregunsschwelle is understood in physiology the smallest amperage or voltage, which leads to the triggering of an action potential and thereby contraction of the heart muscle cells. The excitation threshold is endogenously regulated primarily by the autonomic nervous system and can be affected by medication drugs. Positive bathmotrope substances such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cardiac glycosides reduce the arousal threshold during which negative bathmotrope substances such as acetylcholine and lidocaine increase the arousal threshold.