Lack of haptoglobin results in unbalanced VEGFα/angiopoietin-1 expression, intramural hemorrhage and impaired wound healing after myocardial infarction

► Haptoglobin deficiency impairs microvascular integrity after infarction. ► Haptoglobin prevents heme-induced oxidative stress and regulates VEGF/angiopoietin-1 balance. ► Haptoglobin deficiency impairs wound healing and proper scar formation after MI. ► Haptoglobin deficiency worsens both short- and longterm cardiac function and geometry.