Metabolismo energético del corazón normal e infartado

Abstract. The pumping activity permanently carried out by the heart requires a constant energy supply that is derived mainly from fatty acids and, to a lesser extent, from glucose and lactate. The Krebs cycle plays a central role since it catabolizes acetyl-CoA obtained from fatty acids and carbohydrates. Coronary occlusion produces lack of oxygen and metabolic fuels in the infarcted area. Only glycolysis occurring at the expense of glycogen stored in the cardiomyocytes keeps taking place, yielding lactate and hydrogen ions, prompting intracellular acidosis. In addition, excess of intracellular Ca+2 is produced, which by itself can give rise to cell death. Nucleotide depletion also is observed -a condition that delays normalization of the cardiac function in heart attack survivors.