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Title: Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Category: Critical Care

Posted: 5/26/2015 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD

Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

  • Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) can be seen in a variety of critical illnesses, especially severe neurologic conditions.
  • SIC is believed to be caused by excess sympathetic stimulation of the myocardium.
  • When managing a patient with SIC, limit further catecholamine exposure by avoiding vasopressors if possible.
  • If the patient requires inotropic support, consider using an agent without catecholamine activity, such as milrinone.

References

Boland TA, et al. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:868-93.