[A study on the changes of myocardial intracellular calcium in patients with heart failure].

Myocardial intracellular calcium was studied in patients with chronic rheumatic valvular disease. Calcium deposit localized by pyroantimonate method was significantly decreased or disappeared on plasmic membrane and was markedly increased in cytoplasma, intramitochondria and I- and A- bands of myofilament in patients with heart failure due to chronic rheumatic heart valvular disease. The degree of intracellular calcium deposit was consistent with the injury of myocardial ultrastructure, suggesting that calcium overload may be one of the major causes of myocardial injury and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers may be useful for protecting myocardium and improving cardiac function.