Vasopressors are drugs used when a patient's blood pressure falls too low. They help increase blood flow to the heart so the heart can pump more efficiently. The blood that comes from the heart carries oxygen to important organs such as the kidney and the brain. These organs need oxygen to function properly. When our bodies endure stress, the heart may not pump enough blood and oxygen to the organs.
Vasopressors help blood flow to the heart so it can be pumped to other organs.
When a patient is on a vasopressor, the doctors and nurses are monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other pressures in the body. The dose of the drug will be increased or decreased as needed to help the patient. As the patient's condition improves, the drug amount will be decreased slowly and then stopped.