Anesthesiology: perioperative medicine or “when the anesthetic is a diuretic”

• Published in: Journal of clinical anesthesia Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 130 - 137
• Main Authors: White, Sno E, Morey, Timothy E
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2004; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anesthesiology; Anesthetics; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Beta blockers; Blood pressure; Cardiotonic Agents; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Congestive heart disease; Diabetes; diastolic dysfunction; Digoxin - therapeutic use; Diuretics; Diuretics - therapeutic use; Dyspnea; Edema; Female; Furosemide - therapeutic use; Heart failure; Heart Failure - diagnosis; Heart Failure - drug therapy; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Medical personnel; Patients; Potassium; diastolic dysfunction; Congestive heart disease; dyspnea; diuretics
• ISSN: 0952-8180; 1873-4529
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2003.08.003

Two patients are reported, each with heart failure, who were treated with digoxin (case 1) and furosemide (case 2). Indications for medical treatment of patients with heart failure, the role of various drugs, and exercise therapy, are reviewed. At a time when the population of people over 65 years of age is increasing, it is important for physicians to recognize the symptoms of heart failure and to know the most up-to-date treatment for this disorder. These cases demonstrate the significance of the anesthesiologist as a perioperative physician.