[Role of oxygen free radicals in ischemic reperfusion lesions to the myocardium].

Free oxygen radicals are highly active oxygen compounds contributing to several pathological states. A possible source of free oxygen radicals during reversible ischemic heart disease and mechanisms of their toxicity to the myocardium are discussed. Despite controversial results of clinical trials with the use of antioxidants in reducing an area of necrosis in the experimental myocardial infarction, it seems that free oxygen radicals play an important role in ischemic-reperfusion heart disease. Some promising results with the use of antioxidants (significant decrease in dyskinesis of ischemic left ventricular muscle and reduction of cardiac arrhythmias incidence) may be of clinical importance.