Abstract
THE MANAGEMENT of acute cardiac failure, following both myocardial infarction and intracardiac operations, has included the use of a variety of catecholamines such as epinephrine, levarterenol (Levophed) bitartrate, and metaraminol (Aramine) bitartrate. The basis for their choice is the inotropic effect of these substances. These amines also possess to a variable extent other characteristics which affect such circulatory functions as heart rate and vascular resistance. However, the fundamental defect in cardiac failure, from the hemodynamic viewpoint, is the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Enhancing myocardial function with inotropic drugs may restore this pumping action. However, unless atrioventricular dissociation with a slow ventricular rhythm is responsible for the failure, it would not seem desirable to increase the heart rate. Similarly, increasing total peripheral vascular resistance will increase the stroke work of the already failing heart. The present study was designed to compare the
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
