Medical significance of cardiovascular function in hibernating mammals

1. The hibernating mammals inherited a stable cardiovascular function as a result of adaptation to extreme external and internal environments during h ibernation. 2. The cardiovascular function of a hibernator is characterized by three di stinct features: (i) tolerance of hypothermia; (ii) resistance to dysrhythm ia; and (iii) endurance of hypoxia. All these have clinical relevance in ca rdiovascular disorders in humans. 3. We suggest that the hibernating mammal can serve as a useful animal mode l for research into the cardiovascular system.