hibernating myocardium
Viable but chronically dysfunctional myocardial tissue that results from chronic ischemia and can recover function with revascularization.
Full Definition
Hibernating myocardium describes chronically ischemic but viable cardiac tissue that exhibits reduced contractile function as an adaptive response to inadequate blood supply. This condition develops when coronary blood flow is insufficient to maintain normal contractile function but adequate to preserve myocyte viability. The affected myocardium downregulates its metabolic activity and contractility to match the reduced oxygen supply, essentially entering a state of chronic hibernation. Unlike irreversibly damaged tissue, hibernating myocardium can recover function following successful revascularization. Identification of hibernating myocardium is crucial for determining candidacy for revascularization procedures and predicting functional improvement.
Usage
Usage note: Critical concept for determining revascularization benefit in patients with reduced ejection fraction.
In Context
- "Viability studies confirmed hibernating myocardium in the inferior wall territory." — nuclear medicine report
- "The patient is a candidate for revascularization given evidence of hibernating myocardium." — treatment planning note