Overview of Cardiac Inotropic Mechanisms

Cardiac inotropic mechanisms have been studied by basic and clinical scientists for many years. New knowledge and insights into cardiac muscle physiology and pharmacology, as well as novel drugs for the treatment of cardiac diseases, have resulted from these research efforts. This article reviews known inotropic mechanisms (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological) and provides background for more complete discussions of novel inotropic mechanisms found in this supplement issue.