Levosimendan use in several scenarios of acute heart failure

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2008 Mar;90(3):211-5. doi: 10.1590/s0066-782x2008000300012.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

In countries where it is available, early levosimendan infusion can be considered for patients who remain symptomatic with dyspnea at rest despite initial therapy, particularly those with a history of chronic heart failure or chronically treated with beta-blockers. Hypotensive patients or patients with active ischemia are not the best candidates for levosimendan administration and should have these problems addressed first.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Contraindications
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / administration & dosage
  • Hydrazones / therapeutic use*
  • Hypotension / complications
  • Ischemia / complications
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Pyridazines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridazines / therapeutic use*
  • Simendan
  • Syndrome
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Hydrazones
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Pyridazines
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Simendan