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Effects of levosimendan in heart failure: The role of echocardiography
Author(s) -
Cameli Matteo,
Incampo Eufemia,
Navarri Romina,
Mandoli Giulia Elena,
Sciaccaluga Carlotta,
Righini Francesca Maria,
Palmerini Elisabetta,
Sisti Nicolò,
Mondillo Sergio,
Lunghetti Stefano
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/echo.14419
Subject(s) - levosimendan , inotrope , medicine , heart failure , cardiology , hemodynamics , population , vasodilation , ventricular function , intensive care medicine , environmental health
Heart failure ( HF ) represents a deadly epidemic that nowadays affects more than 2% of the general population, representing a major public health concern that implies a high economic burden for the health system. Levosimendan in HF patients is usually used for its inotropic and vasodilator effects that act without myocardial oxygen consumption, differently from other inotropic drugs. The symptoms and hemodynamic profile improve together with the myocardial function, and this can be demonstrated by an echocardiographic examination. Currently, the available data about the effects of levosimendan assessed by echocardiography are still lacking. This review discusses the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of therapeutic effects of levosimendan in HF .