Low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery

Abstract

Low cardiac output syndrome comprises a set of signs and symptoms determined by the inability of the cardiovascular system to satisfy tissue metabolic demand due to low minute volume. It is a frequent complication in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, and its presentation covers a wide spectrum, from a short-term condition controllable with vasoactive and inotropic drugs to refractory cardiogenic shock with high mortality. It increases hospitalization times, short and long-term morbidity and mortality, and health resources usage. Despite the technological advance in interventional cardiology and intensive therapy, it is still a frequent complication and sometimes very difficult to manage, being essential to understand its pathophysiology, etiology and clinical presentation for an adequate management of the patient during his cardiovascular recovery stage. In this review we will analyze some key concepts for the treatment of this syndrome.