Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Vasoactive (vasodilating and vasoconstricting) and inotropic drugs are widely used in intensive therapy. Major progress in their use in recent years has been due to a greater understanding of the physiological derangements of the critically ill. ⋯ An understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system (CVS) is essential to an understanding of the methods used for monitoring and measurement (1). Logical therapeutic interventions follow from consideration of these measured and derived parameters.