Objective:To observe expression changes of PHD2 and HIF-1α, and to investigate the effect of β-AR on the regulation of PHD2/HIF-1α pathway on heart failure after myocardial infarction.Methods:Acute myocardial infarction model in rats were established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. The experiment was randomly (random number)divided into three groups: sham operation group, model group and propranolol group. The changes of electrocardiogram before and after coronary artery ligation were recorded, and cardiac function was detected by echocardiography 12 weeks later. Also, the mRNA and protein expression of PHD2 and HIF-1α were detected by PCR and Western Blot.Results:The ST segment of the ECG showed a significant elevation after the coronary artery was ligated. After 12 weeks of ligation, compared with model group, the ejection fraction (EF) in sham operation group [(79.45 ± 2.86)% vs (61.10 ± 2.78)% , P <0.05] and in propranolol group was higher [(67.33 ± 2.66)% vs (61.10 ± 2.78)%), P <0.05].The mRNA and protein expression of PHD2 decreased significantly in the model group( P <0.05), while the propranolol group increased significantly compared with the model group ( P <0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α increased significantly in the model group ( P <0.05), while the propranolol group decreased significantly compared with the model group ( P <0.05). Conclusions:PHD2/HIF-1α pathway may play an important role in the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats. Activation of β-adrenal system after myocardial infarction may promote the occurrence of heart failure by regulating PHD2/HIF-1α pathway.