The use of inotropic agents in acute and chronic congestive heart failure.

This article reviews our current understanding of the physiology of myocardial contraction; recent research into its mechanical, macromolecular, and biochemical foundations; and its role in the clinical syndromes of congestive heart failure. This review serves as a background for discussing the mechanism of action and pharmacology of currently available and experimental inotropic agents. The clinical applications of these drugs are discussed and the successes and failures of the pharmacologic approach to patients with congestive heart failure analyzed.