--- - |2+ Abstract The study was employed to probe long non‐coding RNA X‐inactive specific transcript RNA (lncRNA XIST) expression profile and its influence on cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis in myocardial cells. We also aimed to explore the possible meditating relationship between XIST, PDE4D and miR‐130a‐3p. Gene differential analysis was carried out using Human LncRNA Microarray V3.0. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was used to test mRNA expressions of XIST, miR‐130a‐3p and PDE4D in normal cells and post‐myocardial infarction (MI) cells. Western blot was applied to determine the protein expression profile of PED4D. Changes in viability and cell cycle/apoptosis of post‐MI myocardial cells after silencing of XIST or PDE4D were investigated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The targeting relationship between miR‐130a‐3p and XIST, PDE4D in myocardial cells were verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Simulated MI environment was constructed by performing anoxic preconditioning in normal cells to probe the influence of XIST on myocardial cell apoptosis. XIST and PDE4D were overexpressed in post‐MI myocardial cells, while miR‐130a‐3p was underexpressed in post‐MI myocardial cells. High‐expressed XIST and PDE4D both promoted myocardial cell apoptosis. High‐expressed XIST also inhibited myocardial cell proliferation. XIST down‐regulated miR‐130a‐3p and PDE4D was a direct target of miR‐130a‐3p. LncRNA XIST promotes MI by targeting miR‐130a‐3p. MI induced by PDE4D can be reversed by miR‐130a‐3p. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved - 'Journal of Cellular Physiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. '