Hibernating myocardium is characterized by viable myocardium with impaired
function due to localized reduced perfusion. Hibernating myocytes retain cellular
integrity, but cannot sustain high-energy requirements of contraction. High plasma
levels of catecholamines, such as norepinepherine, are believed to be predictive
of mortality from hibernating myocardium. Likewise, high levels of catecholamines
lead to cardiomyopathy in patients with diabetes. GLP-1 reduces plasma norepinepherine
levels, and it thus is useful in a method of treating hibernating myocardium or
diabetic cardiomyopathy.
