The Effects of Anesthetic Agents on Cardiac Function

The perioperative management of patients with complex medical conditions, while providing cardiovascular stability, continues to offer both challenges and new developments. Furthermore, patients with cardiovascular disease or associated comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, or pulmonary disease may require special attention during the administrations of general anesthesia. Advancements in the field of anesthesiology, include: (1) new anesthesia medications, (2) medical equipment and/or surgical technology, and (3) anesthetic and surgical techniques. The goals of this chapter are to familiarize the reader with commonly employed clinical methodologies and anesthetics during associated cardiovascular procedures, with particular attention on their potential influences on the cardiovascular system.