[The vulnerability of the right atrium. II. Correlations between vulnerability and the atrial refractory periods (author's transl)].
The vulnerability of the right atrium to single electrical stimuli was investigated in 100 non-selected patients. According to the response pattern to extrasystolic stimulation of the right atrium during the relative refractory period, the patients could be divided in 3 groups: Group A: no signs of vulnerability. Group B: 1 to 5 additional atrial extrasystoles after the premature atrial stimulus. Group C: runs of atrial flutter or fibrillation for at least 8 s. The 3 groups were compared with respect to the duration of the effective and relative refractory period of the right atrium. From group A to group C the effective refractory period showed a tendency to shorten, while the relative refractory period showed a tendency to prolong. These results are interpreted as supporting a reentry as the underlying mechanism of the here described atrial vulnerability.
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology; D005117:Cardiac Complexes, Premature / Q000503:physiopathology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012032:Refractory Period, Electrophysiological
Untersuchungen über die Vulnerabilität des Vorhofes. II. Mitteilung. Beziehungen zwischen Vulnerabilität und die Refraktärzeiten des Vorhofes