The most common use of inotropes is among hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure

, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and with signs of end-organ dysfunction in the setting of a low cardiac output.

When do you use Inotrope?

The rationale for inotrope use

Inotropes are indicated in acute conditions where there is low cardiac output (CO),such as cardiogenic shock following myocardial infarction, acute decompensated heart failure and low CO states after cardiac surgery. Reduced CO leads to tissue hypoperfusion and subsequent hypoxia.

What are inotropic drugs used for?

These medicines are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and chest pain (angina). They are sometimes used in heart attack patients to reduce stress on the heart and prevent future heart attacks.