Biophysical Modeling of Cardiac Cells: From Ion Channels to Tissue

Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in developed countries. Among these, some are related to disruptions in the electrical synchronization of cardiac tissue leading to arrhythmias such as atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. Their origin is diverse and involves several spatial and temporal scales, ranging from nanoscale ion channel dysfunctions to tissue-level fibrosis and ischemia. Mathematical models play a crucial role in elucidating the mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias by simulating the electrical and physiological properties of cardiac tissue across different spatial scales. These models investigate the effects of genetic mutations, pathological conditions, and anti-arrhythmic interventions on heart dynamics. Despite their varying levels of complexity, they have proven to be important in understanding the triggers of arrhythmia, optimizing defibrillation protocols, and exploring the nonlinear dynamics of cardiac electrophysiology. In this work, we present diverse modeling approaches to the electrophysiology of cardiac cells and share examples from our own research where these approaches have significantly contributed to understanding cardiac arrhythmias. Although computational modeling of the electrical properties of cardiac tissue faces challenges in integrating data across multiple spatial and temporal scales, it remains an indispensable tool for advancing knowledge in cardiac biophysics and improving therapeutic strategies.