Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Indicators
- Cited by SciELO
- Access statistics
Related links
- Similars in SciELO
Share
Archivos de cardiología de México
On-line version ISSN 1665-1731Print version ISSN 1405-9940
Abstract
GONZALEZ-CHON, Octavio et al. Levosimendan: A new strategy in the treatment of heart failure. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2005, vol.75, suppl.3, pp.130-139. ISSN 1665-1731.
Congestive heart failure is a long standing health issue. Traditionally, heart failure has been treated with a wide array of drugs such as diuretics, digitalis, catecholamine and non catecholamine inotropics, although treatment with these drugs bears adverse effects, such as the generation of arrhythmia and even death. A new class of drugs has recently exerted a positive impact on the treatment of patients with heart failure; these are the calcium sensitizers that enhance myocardial contractility without increasing cytosolic calcium. Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer that, besides increasing contractility, has a vasodilating effect due to the activation of K(ATP) channels, being both mechanisms responsible for an advantageous therapeutic option. Different studies have proven the efficiency and safety profile of the drug on various scenarios and populations; thereby considering levosimendan a real and safe alternative treatment for patients with acute or chronic ventricular failure that need intravenous pharmacological support
Keywords : Levosimendan; Heart failure; Calcium sensitizers.