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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.

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...

Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

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...

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Patient-specific Modeling of the Heart: Estimation of Ventricular Fiber Orientations

Patient-specific Modeling of the Heart: Estimation of Ventricular Fiber Orientations

Published on: January 8, 2013

Electrical turbulence in three-dimensional heart muscle

¹Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|November 11, 1994

Summary

Electrical rotors in heart tissue transition to fibrillation through complex 3D vortex filament dynamics, not 2D models. This finding is crucial for understanding cardiac arrhythmias and developing new treatments.

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Physiology
Computational Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Rotors (vortex action potentials) precede fibrillation in myocardium.
Existing 2D models suggest mechanisms for this transition.
Experimental data show rotors remain stable in 2D, creating a paradox.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the 3D dynamics of electrical rotors.
Resolve the paradox between 2D models and experimental findings.
Identify mechanisms for the transition to fibrillation.

Main Methods:

Analysis of numerical models.
Mathematical analysis of rotor dynamics.
Comparison with experimental observations of cardiac electrical activity.

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Voltage and Calcium Dual Channel Optical Mapping of Cultured HL-1 Atrial Myocyte Monolayer

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Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

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Last Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Patient-specific Modeling of the Heart: Estimation of Ventricular Fiber Orientations

Patient-specific Modeling of the Heart: Estimation of Ventricular Fiber Orientations

Published on: January 8, 2013

Voltage and Calcium Dual Channel Optical Mapping of Cultured HL-1 Atrial Myocyte Monolayer

Voltage and Calcium Dual Channel Optical Mapping of Cultured HL-1 Atrial Myocyte Monolayer

Published on: March 23, 2015

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

Main Results:

Two-dimensional models fail to explain rotor behavior.
Three-dimensional vortex filament dynamics are proposed as the transition mechanism.
Disorderly dynamics in 3D are key to fibrillation onset.

Conclusions:

The transition to fibrillation involves 3D vortex filament dynamics.
Current 2D models are insufficient to explain cardiac fibrillation.
Future research should focus on 3D models for arrhythmia mechanisms.