Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha are provided.