Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice
Published on: June 29, 2022
Relationship between hair elements and severity of atrioventricular block in horses
Kazuyuki Suzuki1, Yoshiki Yamaya, Kimi Asano
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-8510, Japan.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the mean concentrations of trace elements and the severity of the second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in the mane hair of horses. Electrocardiographs of horses were continually recorded for 6 h using a holter cardiac monitor to determine dropped ventricular beats (DVBs) which can be used as an indicator of the severity of the AV block. Mane hair Ca, Cu, Mg, and Zn concentrations were measured by the particle-induced X-ray emission method. The Zn/Cu ratio and Ca concentration in mane hair were significantly and positively correlated with the hourly DVBs in horse with a second-degree AV block (p<0.01, r2=0.485; p<0.05, r2=0.351, respectively). Proposed diagnostic cutoff points for hair Ca concentration and Zn/Cu ratio based on receiver operating characteristics curves analysis in detecting second-degree AV block were set at 1536 microg/g and 26.0, respectively. Those results with horse hair suggest that the evaluation of the Ca, Cu, Mg, and Zn status in mane hair by this method is strongly related to the severity of second-degree AV block and might predict the susceptibility of an individual much before the development of the symptom.
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
