Control of cardiac function. Issue 6 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlesworth, Michael; Knowles, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Volume 19:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Cardiac output -- heart rate -- inotropes -- parasympathetic -- Starling's law -- stroke volume -- sympathetic; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Intensive care -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2018.03.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0299

Abstract

Abstract: An understanding of the core cardiovascular physiological principles is fundamental to delivering clinical care to patients. In order to successfully deliver oxygen and other nutrients to end organs whist eliminating waste products, cardiac output is manipulated through the control of heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, preload, afterload and contractility. Though controlled through intrinsic physiological mechanisms in health, the delivery of fluids, drugs, external/electrical stimulation and/or mechanical support can allow for optimization of cardiac function in disease. In this article, we outline these core principles and describe how cardiac function is controlled.