Ventricular Function

The cardiovascular effects of a new, long-acting, sympathomimetic amine, Aramine, are described. Cardiac output, aortic pressure, coronary flow, and ventricular stroke work rise while atrial pressures fall. A sustained increase in myocardial contractility is produced and the myocardium does not require more coronary flow per unit of ventricular work after its administration. The circulatory effects of ventricular failure produced by restricting coronary flow are reversed by the drug. The authors seriously question the premise that the ideal agent for the management of cardiogenic shock should act solely on the peripheral vascular bed.