Myocardial Hibernation
Reversible reduction in myocardial contractility due to chronic ischemia, potentially recoverable after revascularization.
Full Definition
Myocardial hibernation is a state of chronically reduced myocardial contractile function in response to sustained reduction in coronary blood flow. Unlike myocardial stunning, hibernation represents an adaptive response where the myocardium downregulates its function to match the reduced oxygen supply, thereby maintaining viability. The hibernating myocardium retains metabolic activity and cellular integrity but exhibits impaired contractile function. This condition is clinically significant because hibernating myocardium can recover function after successful revascularization, making it crucial to distinguish viable hibernating tissue from irreversibly damaged myocardium when planning surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from myocardial stunning, which is acute and typically reversible within hours to days.
In Context
- "Viability studies demonstrated extensive myocardial hibernation in the anterior wall, supporting the decision for surgical revascularization." — Cardiology consultation
- "The patient's ejection fraction improved significantly after CABG, confirming the presence of hibernating myocardium rather than scar tissue." — Postoperative assessment