Dysrhythmogenicity of anaesthetics

Perioperative cardiac dysrhythmias are common and most of them are benign. Some dysrhythmias may cause a fatal outcome in patients undergoing operation. The dysrhythmogenic effect of anaesthetic agents is somewhat complicated and many anaesthetics have opposing effects, that is, both dysrhythmogenic and antidysrhythmogenic properties. It is important to understand interactions between anaesthetics and adjuvant drugs and to avoid prodysrhythmic situations during anaesthesia.