Conduction block in one-dimensional heart fibers.
We present a nonlinear dynamical systems analysis of the transition to conduction block in one-dimensional cardiac fibers. We study a simple model of wave propagation in heart tissue that depends only on the recovery of action potential duration and conduction velocity. If the recovery function has slope >or=1 and the velocity recovery function is nonconstant, rapid activation causes dynamical heterogeneity and finally conduction block away from the activation site. This dynamical mechanism may play a role in the initiation and breakup of spiral waves in excitable media.
Fox
Jeffrey J
JJ
Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Gilmour
Robert F
RF
Bodenschatz
Eberhard
E
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006327:Heart Block / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular