CELLULAR-LEVEL EFFECTS OF MYOCARDIAL HYPOXIA

Myocardial hypoxia is a significant pathophysiological condition that develops as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to cardiac muscle cells and represents a particularly relevant problem in pediatric practice. Due to the incomplete development of the cardiovascular system in children, sensitivity to hypoxic conditions is increased, which may lead to serious disturbances in cardiac function. Myocardial hypoxia is associated with impaired energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes, decreased synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of the intracellular environment. These processes contribute to the intensification of oxidative stress, increased production of free radicals, and subsequent damage to cell membranes and organelles. Prolonged hypoxia activates apoptotic and necrotic pathways, resulting in structural and functional alterations of myocardial tissue. This article comprehensively discusses the main pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial hypoxia at the cellular level, as well as their clinical significance in pediatric patients and their adverse effects on cardiac function.