Cardiovascular Drug Therapy

Cardiovascular agents are utilized when myocardial and/or circulatory dysfunction persists despite optimization of volume status. They have potent activity on the biochemical and neurochemical pathways that maintain and regulate vascular tone. Although these drugs may have multiple dose dependent effects, they are often categorized by their primary cardiovascular activity. Terms used to describe the primary cardiovascular effect of these drugs include: Inotrope: Improves myocardial contractility and stroke volume Pressor: Increases systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure Chronotrope: Increases heart rate Lusitrope: Improves diastolic relaxation and decreases end diastolic pressure Vasodilator: Decreases systemic vascular resistance and afterload Inodilator: Improves myocardial contractility while decreasing afterload