On the basis of our observations, we propose that acute β-adrenergic stimulation mediates inactivation of the pro-survival function of MEF2 in cardiac myocytes, thereby contributing to myocyte cell death and left ventricular dysfunction in a variety of pathologies ranging from myocardial infarction to stress induced cardiomyopathy. The gene discussed is MEF2A; the disease is myocardial infarction.