Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
inotropic support
Pronunciation: in-oh-TROP-ik suh-PORT
Medical therapy using medications that increase the strength of cardiac muscle contractions to improve heart pump function.
Full Definition
Inotropic support involves the administration of medications that enhance myocardial contractility to improve cardiac output in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock. Common inotropic agents include dobutamine, milrinone, and dopamine. These medications work through different mechanisms to increase the force of ventricular contraction, though they may also affect heart rate and vascular tone. Inotropic support is typically reserved for acute care settings due to potential adverse effects including arrhythmias and increased myocardial oxygen demand.
In Context
- "The patient required inotropic support with dobutamine to maintain adequate cardiac output." — Intensive care unit progress note
- "Weaning from inotropic support should be attempted once hemodynamic stability is achieved." — Critical care management guideline
Also known as
inotropic therapy
contractility support
Contrasted with
negative inotropic therapy
Don't confuse with
chronotropic support
vasopressor support