Progress of cardiovascular protective effects of dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine, an α-2 adrenoreceptor (α2-AR) agonist, is a commonly used drug at present, which can protect the cardiovascular system during the perioperative period. The possible mechanisms include decreasing the hemodynamic change, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reducing myocardial inflammatory response, improving microcirculation dysfunction after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, protecting mitochondrial structure and function, and anti-arrhythmia. This review focuses on the mechanisms of protection, clinical applications, and adverse reactions of dexmedetomidine in the cardiovascular system.