3D Model of the Heart Electrical Activity With Heterogeneous Ventricular Action Potentials

Abstract

We developed a three-dimensional finite element model of the electrical activity of the whole heart embedded in the torso that is proposed as an useful tool to simulate ECG signals both in healthy and pathological conditions. The electrical activity of the cardiac tissue is reproduced with the well-known bidomain model. The ionic current dynamics is represented with a modified version of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model. The model generates a controlled spontaneous activation in the sinoatrial node. The model reproduce realistic electrocardiographic signals both in healthy and pathological conditions (e.g. ischemia).