title: Overview and methods used for the study of the cardiovascular actions of contrast materials.
abstract: Contrast materials cause numerous effects on the cardiovascular system. The major direct actions on the heart are myocardial mechanical and electrophysiological alterations. The major direct action on the peripheral circulation is vasodilation. The indirect effects, for the most part, are reflexly mediated and tend to offset the direct effects. The author reviews the various experimental models and techniques used for assessing the actions of contrast materials on the cardiovascular system. The salient findings from previous studies using various experimental models are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D011859:Radiography; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media