Provided is a method of treating a patient having a tissue that is subject to an ischemic event. The method is conducted by parenterally administering a formulation containing a halogenated volatile anesthetic in an amount effective to improve the tissue's resistance to or tolerance of the ischemic event. In preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of the formulation administered to the patient is sub-anesthetic. The formulation can be administered prior to, concurrently with, or after the ischemic event. The method can be used, for example, for treatment of patients having myocardial or neuronal tissue that is subject to an ischemic event.
