Over thiry-five experts contribute to this publication about the various interactions and interrelationships of the parameters which affect the normal and ischemic heart. Mechanical aspects related to the global and regional function of the heart are discussed. Coronary perfusion of the ischemic heart is considered, with emphasis on the effects of reperfusion. Electrical activation, formation of arrhythmias, and the effects of ischemia or ionic transport in the myocardium are presented. Metabolic aspects of the ischemic heart, including calcium transport, are also explained.