The model of 4-min clinical death due to acute blood loss was used to study cardiac contractility, myocardial metabolism and causes of endotoxemia in early postresuscitation period. The investigations were made on the whole body, isolated, isovolemically contracting heart and isolated papillary muscle. A marked reduction in functional myocardial reserves, maximal within the first 24 hours of postresuscitation, with dominant defects in relaxation was seen. Pathogenetic factors responsible for cardiodepression are the following: hypoxia, impairment of bioenergetics, hyperactivation of lipid peroxidation, acidosis, membrane destruction, endotoxemia.