What is a common use of positive inotropic agents in patients with CHF or pulmonary edema?

Positive inotropic agents are primarily utilized to improve cardiac contractility, especially in patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema. These agents work by enhancing the strength of the heart's contractions, leading to improved cardiac output. This is crucial in managing CHF, where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to meet the body’s needs, often resulting in fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema).

By increasing the myocardial contractility, these agents help alleviate symptoms associated with heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Improved contractility allows for better circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body, which is essential for patient recovery and overall health.

While reducing heart rate might be a therapeutic goal in some conditions, the primary action of positive inotropic agents is to increase the force of heart contractions rather than modify the heart rate directly. Inducing sedation and managing hypertension do not align with the fundamental purposes of using positive inotropes in these clinical scenarios.