Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
14:19

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Published on: October 14, 2016

Correlation between divalent cation concentration and electrocardiogram in canine myocardial infarction

J B Woods, J H Holt, W T Woods

    Journal of Electrocardiology
    |October 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Myocardial infarction in dogs caused serum magnesium and zinc levels to drop, coinciding with heart rhythm disturbances. Copper levels rose, but without apparent effect on cardiac electrical activity.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Biochemistry
    • Electrophysiology

    Background:

    • Myocardial infarction (MI) alters serum divalent cation concentrations.
    • The impact of these ionic shifts on cardiac electrical activity remains incompletely understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between serum divalent cation changes and cardiac electrical activity following myocardial infarction.
    • To determine the specific effects of magnesium, zinc, copper, and calcium level alterations on the heart's electrical function post-MI.

    Main Methods:

    • Mongrel dogs underwent coronary artery catheterization and occlusion or sham procedures.
    • Serum concentrations of magnesium ([Mg++]), zinc ([Zn++]), copper ([Cu++]), and calcium ([Ca++]) were measured at intervals up to 72 hours post-surgery.
    • Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were continuously monitored to assess cardiac electrical activity, including ST segment changes and arrhythmias.

    Main Results:

    • Coronary artery occlusion led to significant ST segment changes in lead V4.
    • Serum [Mg++] and [Zn++] decreased by approximately 20% at 24 hours post-occlusion, correlating with prevalent ventricular tachycardia and premature beats.
    • Serum [Cu++] increased by approximately 30% at 48 and 72 hours in both occluded and non-occluded dogs, with no observed effect on cardiac electrical activity.
    • Serum [Ca++] remained unchanged throughout the study.

    Conclusions:

    • Decreases in serum magnesium and zinc levels are associated with cardiac dysrhythmias during myocardial ischemia.
    • Elevations in serum copper are not specifically linked to myocardial ischemia and do not appear to affect cardiac electrical activity within physiological limits.
    • Serum calcium levels do not exhibit significant changes in this model of myocardial infarction.

    More Related Videos

    Confirmation of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice Using Surface Pad Electrocardiography09:23

    Confirmation of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice Using Surface Pad Electrocardiography

    Published on: November 24, 2016

    Histological Quantification of Chronic Myocardial Infarct in Rats09:45

    Histological Quantification of Chronic Myocardial Infarct in Rats

    Published on: December 11, 2016

    Related Concept Videos

    Electrocardiogram01:29

    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...
    Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle01:25

    Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

    The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
    A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
    Electrocardiogram Fundamentals01:28

    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...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

    The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

    Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
    Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

    Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...