Incomplete Relaxation between Beats after Myocardial Hypoxia and Ischemia

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Abstract

Recovery from hypoxia has been shown to prolong cardiac muscle contraction, particularly the relaxation phase. The present studies were designed to examine whether incomplete relaxation between beats can result from this prolongation of contraction and relaxation in isolated muscle after hypoxia and in the canine heart after both hypoxia and acute ischemia. The relationship between heart rate and the extent of incomplete relaxation is emphasized in view of the known enhancement of the velocity of contraction caused by increasing heart rate.

Authors

Myron L. Weisfeldt, Paul Armstrong, Hugh E. Scully, Charles A. Sanders, Willard M. Daggett