Mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis related to calcium-driven alternans in a model of human atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with progressive changes in the calcium handling system of atrial myocytes. Calcium cycling instability has been implicated as an underlying mechanism of electrical alternans observed in patients who experience AF. However, the extent to which calcium-induced alternation of electrical activity in the atria contributes to arrhythmogenesis is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of calcium-driven alternans (CDA) on arrhythmia susceptibility in a biophysically detailed, 3D computer model of the human atria representing electrical and structural remodeling secondary to chronic AF. We found that elevated propensity to CDA rendered the atria vulnerable to ectopy-induced arrhythmia. It also increased the complexity and persis

SUBMITTER: Chang KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5095679 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature