The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounds and interconnects cardiac myocytes,
myofibrils, muscle fibers, and the coronary microcirculation. Because of the high tensile
strength of fibrillar collagen and its close association with the functioning components of the
myocardium, alterations in interstitial collagen can significantly influence the size and shape
of the cardiac chambers as well as ventricular function. Typically, an increase in interstitial
collagen concentration secondary to pressure overload results in both the myocardium and …