Cardiovascular Dynamics Lab Practice Test

What happens to dP/dt_max when a positive inotropic agent is given?

dP/dt_max increases. dP/dt_max decreases. dP/dt_max remains unchanged. dP/dt_max increases only with heart rate.

Correct Answer:

dP/dt_max increases.

Explanation:

dP/dt_max reflects how quickly the ventricle develops pressure, i.e., its contractility. A positive inotropic agent boosts contractile strength by increasing intracellular calcium and speeding cross-bridge cycling, so the ventricle can generate pressure faster. This makes the slope of the pressure–time curve steeper, increasing dP/dt_max. It's not about heart rate alone, and the change is not zero or a decrease—the primary effect of an inotrope is to raise the rate of pressure development.

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