Levosimendan in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure

Mona Sahlholdt Hansen, Asger Andersen, Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk, Mona Sahlholdt Hansen, Asger Andersen, Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension is a multifactorial disease with a high morbidity and mortality. Right ventricular function is the most important predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension, but currently there are no approved treatments directly supporting the failing right ventricle. Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizing agent with inotropic, pulmonary vasodilatory, and cardioprotective properties. Given its pharmacodynamic profile, levosimendan could be a potential novel agent for the treatment of right ventricular failure caused by pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of levosimendan in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.

Keywords: calcium sensitizer; congenital heart disease; levosimendan; pulmonary arterial hypertension; pulmonary hypertension; right heart failure.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Cardiovascular effects of levosimendan in the setting of PH and associated right heart failure. Abbreviations: CO, cardiac output; EF, ejection fraction.

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