Cycle length dependence of the electrophysiological effects of increased load on the myocardium

Mechanoelectric feedback, the process by which changes in mechanical activity change the electrophysiology of the myocardium, has been linked to the genesis of arrhythmias. We investigated possible arrhythmogenic mechanisms by measuring changes in steady-state action potential duration and, more particularly, electrical restitution on a transiently applied load change, because action potential recovery may provide clues to arrhythmogenesis.

Pigs were anesthetized and their hearts exposed. A snare was placed around the aorta, and the right atrium was paced. Ventricular pressure, monophasic action potential, and segment motion were recorded from the left ventricle. The action potential duration was measured before and during transient aortic occlusion. Electrical restitution curves were constructed from the records obtained during normal loading or during transient aortic occlusion. The degree of shortening of action potential duration on aortic occlusion decreased with decreases in the steady-state beat-to-beat interval (P = .0008). Control restitution curves had the typical configuration, with a rapid initial, usually monotonic, rise toward a plateau. Some curves showed a marginal "supernormal" section. Increased load reduced the action potential duration at the plateau of the restitution curve (9.4 ms, P < .0001) but increased the action potential duration at the start of the restitution curve (8.7 ms, P = .03). Increased loading increased the maximum slope of the electrical restitution curve by 32 ms/100 ms (P = .04). Increased load also increased the supernormal period of the electrical restitution curves.

Mechanoelectric feedback produces changes in rate-dependent electrophysiology, which could favor a matrix conducive to arrhythmogenesis.