Advanced
Technical
IVT
myocardial oxygen demand
Also written as: MVO₂ — Myocardial Oxygen Demand
The amount of oxygen required by the heart muscle to maintain cardiac function during rest and activity.
Full Definition
The metabolic requirement of the myocardium for oxygen delivery, which increases with heart rate, contractility, and wall tension. In cardiac rehabilitation, understanding myocardial oxygen demand helps clinicians prescribe safe exercise intensities and recognize warning signs of inadequate oxygen supply. Rate-pressure product (heart rate × systolic blood pressure) serves as a practical estimate of myocardial oxygen demand during exercise sessions.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MVO₂; balance with oxygen supply determines myocardial ischemia risk.
In Context
- "Exercise training aims to reduce myocardial oxygen demand at submaximal workloads." — Treatment rationale
- "Elevated blood pressure during exercise increases myocardial oxygen demand unnecessarily." — Clinical observation
Also known as
MVO₂
cardiac oxygen consumption
Contrasted with
myocardial oxygen supply
Don't confuse with
myocardial oxygen supply
coronary blood flow