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Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...

Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...

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Preclinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Assessment by Dual Voltage and Calcium Optical Mapping of Human Organotypic Cardiac Slices

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Genomics of cardiac electrical function.

Elisabeth M Lodder¹, Connie R Bezzina

¹Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 20 5665962; Fax: +31 20 6976177; c.r.bezzina@amc.uva.nl.

Briefings in Functional Genomics

|August 20, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Identifying genetic factors for cardiac electrical activity is key for early arrhythmia risk identification and developing new therapeutic targets. This review overviews genes and loci linked to heart electrical function and arrhythmias.

Keywords:

GWAS cardiac arrhythmia cardiac electrical function electrocardiogram genetics genomics

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Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Genetics
Electrophysiology
Medical Genetics

Background:

Proper cardiac electrical impulse generation and conduction are vital for coordinated heart contractions.
Dysregulation of cardiac electrical function can cause cardiac arrhythmias, posing significant medical and social burdens.
Understanding genetic factors offers dual benefits: early risk identification and novel therapeutic target discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

To review genes and genetic loci associated with cardiac electrical function.
To summarize genetic links to cardiac arrhythmias.
To provide an overview of identified genes and loci and their effects.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on familial rhythm disorders.
Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on electrocardiographic parameters in large populations.
Compilation of genetic factors influencing cardiac electrical activity.

Main Results:

Identification of numerous genes and genetic loci linked to cardiac electrical function.
Association of specific genetic factors with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Cataloging of genetic influences on electrocardiographic parameters.

Conclusions:

Genetic factors play a crucial role in normal cardiac electrical activity and the development of arrhythmias.
Continued research into genetic underpinnings is essential for advancing personalized medicine in cardiology.
Genetic discoveries pave the way for targeted therapies and improved arrhythmia management.