Inotropes and Vasoconstrictors: An Invitation to Rethink Paradigms

Abstract

The manuscript "Inotropic drugs and vasoconstrictors used in cardiac surgery: a narrative review" (Zeledón-Sánchez F, Chavarría-Rojas A, Picado-Loaiza S. Fármacos inotrópicos y vasoconstrictores utilizados en cirugía cardiaca: revisión narrativa. Acta Méd Costarric. 2026;68:1-10. DOI:10.51481/amc.v68i1.1579) constitutes a valuable contribution, addressing a topic of considerable clinical relevance with a direct impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The use of vasoactive agents remains one of the cornerstones of perioperative hemodynamic support, as the available scientific evidence demonstrates that the choice of agent, dosage, titration rate, and duration of treatment can significantly modify clinical outcomes. In this context, the authors present an updated review grounded in recent literature, integrating concepts from pharmacology, cardiovascular physiology, and perioperative medicine.