The present invention relates to a method of treating a patient for a condition where blood flow to a tissue or organ is interrupted. This method involves administering to a patient with a hypoxic condition where blood flow to a tissue or organ is interrupted, or at risk thereof, a compound that reduces the rate of HIF-1α inactivation in cells affected by the condition, thereby treating the patient for the condition. Also disclosed is a method of treating a tumor in a patient. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of identifying compounds as candidate drugs for treatment of hypoxic conditions and for treating tumors in a subject.