Inotropic
Inotropic
Inotropic (pronounced: /ɪˈnɒtrɪpɪk/) refers to the force of muscle contraction. It is a term commonly used in medicine, particularly in reference to the heart.
Etymology
The term "inotropic" is derived from the Greek words "ino" meaning fibre and "tropos" meaning turning. It is used to describe the strength of contraction of the heart muscle.
Definition
Inotropic agents, or Inotropes, are drugs that influence the force of your heart's contractions. Positive inotropic agents increase the strength of the heart's contractions and are often used to treat heart failure or cardiogenic shock. Negative inotropic agents decrease the strength of the heart's contractions and slow the heart rate, and are often used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Related Terms
- Chronotropic: Refers to the speed of the heart rate. Positive chronotropic agents increase heart rate, while negative chronotropic agents decrease heart rate.
- Dromotropic: Refers to the conduction speed in the AV node, part of the electrical conduction system of the heart. Positive dromotropic agents increase conduction speed, while negative dromotropic agents decrease it.
- Lusitropic: Refers to the relaxation of the heart muscle. Positive lusitropic agents increase the rate of relaxation, while negative lusitropic agents decrease it.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inotropic
- Wikipedia's article - Inotropic
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