Pharmacological modulation of cardiac function and control of blood vessel calibre

The myocardium and vascular system are influenced by the neurological, paracrine and endocrine systems to control blood pressure in health. Blood pressure control is crucial to maintain adequate organ perfusion and function. In disease, the homeostatic mechanisms that control these systems are dysregulated, which can lead to organ failure. Therefore, understanding the means of manipulating these systems using anaesthesia is important. The central nervous system, cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle all have physiological processes which can be targeted to reduce the stress response associated with their derangement. This article reviews the different pharmacological means of altering cardiac function and blood vessel calibre to improve organ perfusion.