Abstract
The present review concerns the development of a theoretical framework to quantitate both the dynamic mechanical and energetic requirements of the intact heart. Myocardial oxygen consumption is proposed as an ideal index that integrates the anatomic and functional characteristics of both energy producing and energy requiring myocellular processes. The data concern protected and unprotected myocardial ischemia, as it is hoped that the resulting model will better adjudicate myoprotective methodology and thereby improve patient care.