The Role of Calcium-Sensitizer Levosimendan for the Treatment of Heart Failure

In the treatment of heart failure, clinical signs are low cardiac output, therapy with positive inotropic agents in an acute cardiac care is mandatory. Three classes of inotropic drugs are currently used, including beta-adrenergic agonists (especially dobutamine), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as milrinone) and the recently developed calcium sensitizers such as levosimendan. The classic inotropic drugs offer short-term haemodynamic enhancement in heart failure patient and their use has been connected with poor prognosis. The inotropic drugs, the Ca2+-sensitizers, may offer a choice of long-lasting result.