Acute Effects of Levosimendan and Dobutamine on QRS Duration in Patients with Heart Failure


Yontar O. C., YILMAZ M. B., Yalta K., Erdem A., TANDOĞAN İ.

ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE CARDIOLOGIA, vol.95, no.6, pp.738-742, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 95 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1590/s0066-782x2010005000143
  • Journal Name: ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE CARDIOLOGIA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.738-742
  • Keywords: Heart failure, levosimendan, cardiotonic agents, dobutamine/adverses effects, MORTALITY
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Levosimendan is a novel inotropic agent that enhances cardiac contractility without increasing cellular calcium intake, so that it is not supposed to cause intracellular calcium overload and related arrhythmias. In patients with heart failure, prolonged QRS duration is associated with increased risk of mortality and sudden cardiac death. Structural changes in the left ventricle may lead to asynchronous contraction, causing conduction delay and a prolonged QRS on the surface electrocardiogram.