Anesthetic Agents and Cardiac Electromechanical Activity

Abstract

Literature on the basic electrophysiology of the heart was reviewed. While there remains controversy in many areas, e.g., of the roles of Na+ and Ca2+ in producing the slow inward current, a somewhat dogmatic approach has been used in the interest of clarity. The information is also that accepted by the majority of workers in the field of electrophysiology. The effects of agents used during anesthesia [(e.g., halothane, propranolol, atropine, digitalis)] on cardiac electromechanical activity [in Macaca mulatta, cat, dog, guinea pig, rabbit]. Much of the experimental work has yet to be confirmed in man. The majority of the work has also been done on normal tissue. Future studies concerned with responses to these agents in diseased tissue will be needed to fully apply the information to clinical situations.