[Rehabilitative effect of adaptation to hypoxia in experimental post-infarct cardiosclerosis]

Electrical cardiac fibrillation threshold was shown to be reduced twofold 2 months after the induction of experimental infarction in animals with postinfarction cardiosclerosis. Major contractility parameters at rest and under isometric load on the heart were also reduced essentially in these animals. Gradual postinfarction adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in an altitude chamber resulted in a considerable (60%) increase in fibrillation threshold and virtually complete recovery of myocardial contractility, as well as a twofold reduction in scarred tissue mass. Possible use of adaptation to hypoxia for postinfarction rehabilitation on in man is discussed.