Which inhaled agent tends to increase cardiac output due to mild sympathetic tone?

Which inhaled agent tends to increase cardiac output due to mild sympathetic tone?

• A. A Halothane
• B. B Sevoflurane
• C. C Desflurane
• D. D Nitrous oxide

Answer: (D)

Nitrous oxide tends to preserve or even increase cardiac output because it produces only mild sympathetic activation. This slight push in the sympathetic system raises heart rate and contractility a bit, which boosts stroke volume and, in turn, cardiac output. In contrast, many volatile anesthetics depress myocardial contractility and cause vasodilation, which typically lowers or variably affects cardiac output. So, among the inhaled agents listed, nitrous oxide best fits the idea of increasing cardiac output via mild sympathetic tone.

Nitrous oxide tends to preserve or even increase cardiac output because it produces only mild sympathetic activation. This slight push in the sympathetic system raises heart rate and contractility a bit, which boosts stroke volume and, in turn, cardiac output. In contrast, many volatile anesthetics depress myocardial contractility and cause vasodilation, which typically lowers or variably affects cardiac output. So, among the inhaled agents listed, nitrous oxide best fits the idea of increasing cardiac output via mild sympathetic tone.