Inotrooppisten

Inotrooppisten refers to substances that alter the contractility of the heart muscle. Inotropic agents can either increase contractility (positive inotropes) or decrease it (negative inotropes). The term originates from Greek words, "inō" meaning fiber and "tropos" meaning turn or manner. Therefore, inotropic agents are substances that affect the "manner of the fiber," specifically referring to the heart's muscle fibers.

Positive inotropic agents, such as dobutamine and digoxin, are used to treat conditions like heart failure where the heart's pumping function is weakened. They work by increasing the force of each heartbeat, leading to improved cardiac output and blood circulation. These drugs often function by increasing the intracellular concentration of calcium ions within the heart muscle cells, which facilitates stronger muscle contraction.

Negative inotropic agents, conversely, reduce the force of heart contractions. Examples include beta-blockers and certain calcium channel blockers. These are employed in situations where excessive myocardial contractility could be detrimental, such as in certain arrhythmias or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where a reduction in contractility can improve ventricular filling and reduce oxygen demand. Understanding the inotropic state of the heart is crucial in managing various cardiovascular diseases.