Cor Vasa 2004, 45(12):597-600
Levosimendan as a novel emerging favorite in the management of heart failure.
- Interní kardiologická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Brno, Brno, Česká republika
The calcium sensitizer levosimendan is a new promising positive inotropic class drug for the treatment of heart failure with a beneficial effect on the hemodynamics, symptoms and short- as well as long-term prognosis of patients. In addition to improved contractility, its beneficial effects include vasodilatation (both in the coronary bed improving myocardial perfusion and in the peripheral circulation improving afterload) and, hence, cardiac performance. Another advantage is its good tolerability with a low incidence of undesirable effects and the simplicity of infusion administration. The expanding indications of levosimendan use in clinical practice are discussed.
Keywords: Heart failure; Systolic dysfunction; Calcium sensitizers; Levosimendan; New indication
Published: December 1, 2004 Show citation