Calcium, Calcium Antagonists, Stunning, and Hibernation: An Overview

The basic pathophysiology of stunning and hibernation differs according to the proposed role of calcium. In stunning, it is suggested that calcium overload plays a crucial role and therefore calcium antagonists may have a beneficial effect. By contrast, in hibernation, where there is an ongoing reduction in the contractile function of the myocardium, calcium antagonists may further depress the inotropic state. Ongoing research may reveal further interesting differences between stunning and hibernation.