Answer
definition: Agent that increases myocardial contractility; may also have vasoactive actions
-may increase/decrease afterload & preload (another slide said decreases afterload & preload)
-e.g. dobutamine (beta agonists), milrinone (phosphodiesterase inhibs), dopamine, norepi/epi
NOT routinely used (can hasten death)
– For patients with very low cardiac output or
cardiogenic shock only
– Can cause tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension