"Hibernating" myocardium: Not only a matter of semantics

The recent article by Kalra et al1 reiterates the use of the term “hibernating myocardium,” which was introduced by Diamond et al in 19782 to indicate a state of chronically ischemic noninfarcted myocardium. The term is incorrect and should be abandoned. The so-called “hibernating myocardium” is a condition of viable but dormant myocardium, which has nothing to share with reduction in body temperature. We are aware of only one condition of hibernating myocardium in humans, and that is the heart during hypothermic circulatory arrest in cardiac surgery. “Hibernating” myocardium is a misnomer due to lack of knowledge of classics. We believe that the best term is myocardial “lethargy.” Whatever the final choice of nomenclature, the use of accurate terminology has basic implications in science for a precise way of thinking and for a better understanding of disease processes.