Propofol-Induced Myocardial Depression: Does This Really Exist?

In the intensive care setting, propofol is a commonly used medication for management of sedation in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. However, intensivists often select dexmedetomidine over propofol in patients with cardiovascular disease due to concern for cardiac adverse effects such as myocardial depression. In this blog, I’ll be discussing three important considerations before accepting propofol-induced myocardial depression as clinically significant.