Biomaterial Database

Computer simulations of cardiac action potentials in two dimensions. 1988

J P Barach

Physics Department, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235.

A novel method of calculation is presented which allows computer simulations of action potentials for a two-dimensional, planar reconstruction of the depolarization phase of a cardiac action potential to be followed through nonuniform tissue. The calculation is explicit in type and assumes an infinite, grounded extracellular region. A 70 by 70 point region is calculated swiftly on a PC/AT. Results show elliptical isochrones when slow and fast directions have different resistivities. The time derivative of Vm is, however, similar in both directions. Insertion of a test region of tissue with high resistance results in wave-like propagation of the A.P. around the 'bad' region.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008433	Mathematics	The deductive study of shape, quantity, and dependence. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Mathematic
D008955	Models, Cardiovascular	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of the cardiovascular system, processes, or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers and other electronic equipment.	Cardiovascular Model,Cardiovascular Models,Model, Cardiovascular
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003198	Computer Simulation	Computer-based representation of physical systems and phenomena such as chemical processes.	Computational Modeling,Computational Modelling,Computer Models,In silico Modeling,In silico Models,In silico Simulation,Models, Computer,Computerized Models,Computer Model,Computer Simulations,Computerized Model,In silico Model,Model, Computer,Model, Computerized,Model, In silico,Modeling, Computational,Modeling, In silico,Modelling, Computational,Simulation, Computer,Simulation, In silico,Simulations, Computer
D006321	Heart	The hollow, muscular organ that maintains the circulation of the blood.	Hearts
D000200	Action Potentials	Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli.	Spike Potentials,Nerve Impulses,Action Potential,Impulse, Nerve,Impulses, Nerve,Nerve Impulse,Potential, Action,Potential, Spike,Potentials, Action,Potentials, Spike,Spike Potential
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23