Hydrogels have shown great potential in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) by providing a supportive environment for cardiac repair and regeneration. This review summarizes the development and application of various hydrogels in MI treatment, including natural hydrogels, intelligent hydrogels, growth factors, stem cells, and microRNA-loaded hydrogels. These hydrogels can promote the repair of MI heart function and have been tested in preclinical studies. Although most hydrogels are still in the preclinical stage, they offer promising prospects for future clinical applications. The review also discusses the pathophysiological processes of MI, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, and highlights the importance of designing hydrogels that can target the MI area and restore cardiac function. The review emphasizes the need for further research to overcome challenges in translating hydrogels from the laboratory to clinical settings. Hydrogels can serve as a novel in vivo delivery system for repairing MI through mechanisms such as providing mechanical support, controlling the release of proteins or growth factors, and facilitating cell transplantation. The review also discusses the application of hydrogels in the inflammation phase of MI, including temperature-responsive, pH-responsive, and ROS-scavenging hydrogels, which have shown promising results in reducing inflammation, inhibiting fibrosis, and improving cardiac function. The review highlights the potential of hydrogels in the treatment of MI and calls for further research to develop safe and effective hydrogel-based therapies for MI.Hydrogels have shown great potential in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) by providing a supportive environment for cardiac repair and regeneration. This review summarizes the development and application of various hydrogels in MI treatment, including natural hydrogels, intelligent hydrogels, growth factors, stem cells, and microRNA-loaded hydrogels. These hydrogels can promote the repair of MI heart function and have been tested in preclinical studies. Although most hydrogels are still in the preclinical stage, they offer promising prospects for future clinical applications. The review also discusses the pathophysiological processes of MI, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, and highlights the importance of designing hydrogels that can target the MI area and restore cardiac function. The review emphasizes the need for further research to overcome challenges in translating hydrogels from the laboratory to clinical settings. Hydrogels can serve as a novel in vivo delivery system for repairing MI through mechanisms such as providing mechanical support, controlling the release of proteins or growth factors, and facilitating cell transplantation. The review also discusses the application of hydrogels in the inflammation phase of MI, including temperature-responsive, pH-responsive, and ROS-scavenging hydrogels, which have shown promising results in reducing inflammation, inhibiting fibrosis, and improving cardiac function. The review highlights the potential of hydrogels in the treatment of MI and calls for further research to develop safe and effective hydrogel-based therapies for MI.