Pharmacology of levosimendan: inotropic, vasodilatory and cardioprotective effects

Positive inotropic agents are frequently used in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. These agents are known to improve cardiac performance and peripheral perfusion in the short‐term treatment. However, several preclinical and clinical studies emphasized detrimental effects of these drugs on myocardial oxygen demand and on sympathetic tone entailing arrhythmogenesis. Levosimendan is an inotropic agent with an original mechanism of action. This review focuses on major data available for levosimendan.

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