Cor Vasa 2003, 44(12):601-603
Levosimendan-a chance in acute heart failure
- 1 II. interní klinika
- 2 I. interní klinika, Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny, Brno, Česká republika
Acute heart failure is a very common urgent event. The syndrome includes at least four diagnostic entities: cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, hypertensive crisis, and acute exacerbation of heart failure. New guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure are currently being developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the Czech Society of Cardiology (ČKS). The guidelines include a reference to levosimendan, a new calcium sensitizer. The drug has been tested in several minor hemodynamic trials demonstrating improved quality of life, relief of symptoms, and a preventive effect on another episode of exacerbation. In addition to its positive inotropic action, a major role in its effect is played by the drug's vasodilator activity. Major clinical trials (LIDO and RUSSLAN) have suggested a potential for reducing the mortality rate.
Keywords: Acute heart failure; Treatment; Levosimendan
Published: December 1, 2003 Show citation