Comparative analysis of the effects of inhalational and intravenous anesthetics on hemodynamic variability and cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia – a review of current evidence

Background. Patient hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia is a crucial factor, managing which helps avoid many complications, especially cardiovascular ones. Intravenous and inhaled anesthetics affect the human body differently, have different mechanisms of action, and have different durations of action. Due to the diversity of anesthetics, it is essential to match them appropriately to the patient's medical history and current clinical condition to reduce the risk of possible postoperative complications. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the inhalation and intravenous anesthetics used by anaesthesiologists and their impact on the hemodynamic stability of patients and, consequently, the risk of cardiovascular complications. Material and methods. This paper provides a literature review of inhaled and intravenous anesthetics used in clinical practice. Research papers available in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were analyzed. The focus was on clinical trials, meta-analyses, and review articles. Conclusions. Intravenous and inhaled anesthetics differ in their action profile and impact on the circulatory system. Inhaled drugs provide greater hemodynamic stability, while intravenous drugs are characterized by a faster onset of action and a less predictable effect on the patient's vital signs. Due to the advantages of both groups of anesthetics, the selection of anesthesia should be individualized for each patient, taking into account their health status, comorbidities, and the risk of thromboembolic events.