Infarcted and peri-infarct myocardium

Infarcted and peri-infarct myocardium refers to the anatomical regions of the heart muscle affected by a myocardial infarction (MI). The infarcted zone consists of necrotic tissue where cardiomyocytes have died due to prolonged ischemia, eventually being replaced by a non-contractile collagen scar [1]. The peri-infarct myocardium, or border zone, is the surrounding area of viable but stressed tissue that undergoes significant pathological changes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling [2]. This region is a critical focus for therapeutic intervention, as salvageable myocytes in the peri-infarct zone can be protected to limit total infarct size and prevent the progression to chronic heart failure [3]. While not a single molecular target, this tissue environment is the site of action for various pharmacological agents, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, as well as emerging regenerative therapies like stem cell transplantation and gene therapy [4]. Understanding the molecular landscape of these zones is essential for developing precision medicines that target specific pathways like fibrosis or angiogenesis within the damaged heart [5].

Other names

Myocardial infarct border zonePeri-infarct zoneIschemic myocardiumNecrotic myocardiumInfarct zone

Drugs targeting this region typically aim to reduce myocardial oxygen demand, inhibit adverse ventricular remodeling, suppress inflammatory cascades, or promote angiogenesis and cellular repair within the salvageable border zone.