This study compares (1) the effects of slowing heart rate by topical hypothermia in hearts perfused at 37 degrees C. with bradycardia produced by perfusion hypothermia (28 degrees C.) and (2) the consequences of counteracting the bardycardic effects of perfusion hypothermia by atrial pacing. Topical atrial hypothermia (myocardial temperature 37 degrees C.) produced a level of bradycardia comparable to perfusion hypothermia (82 vs. 71 beats per minute), but reduced myocardial oxygen requirements 25 per cent more than perfusion with 28 degrees C. blood. Myocardial oxygen uptake per beat did not change with topical atrial hypothermia but increased 40 per cent with perfusion hypothermia. Counteracting the bradycardic effects of perfusion hypothermia with atrial pacing (to 130 beats per minute) reduced subendocardial flow 25 per cent, caused a redistribution of flow away from the subendocardium, and produced evidence of ischemia on the intracavitary electrocardiogram. This study shows that (1) topical atrial hypothermia with systemic normothermia reduced myocardial oxygen demands as effectively as perfusion hypothermia and (2) subendocardial ischemia develops in beating empty hearts when the expected bradycardia of hypothermia does not occur.