What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the cellular and hemodynamic mechanisms underlying mechanical and electrical cardiac alternans and evaluate its clinical diagnostic and prognostic relevance.

June 1, 1999Cardiovascular ResearchOpen Access

Cardiac alternans: mechanisms and pathophysiological significance

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DEDavid E. EulerMedtronic (United States)

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Implication

Integrates mechanisms and significance of alternans; leaves open prospective validation before clinical adoption.

Key Points

Examine the cellular and hemodynamic mechanisms underlying mechanical and electrical cardiac alternans and evaluate its clinical diagnostic and prognostic relevance.
Reviewed cellular and intact-heart physiological studies on pulsus alternans and electrical alternans in mammalian hearts.
Evaluated experimental pacing cycle length thresholds and loading conditions that induce transient and sustained alternans.
Rapid pacing cycle lengths exceeding critical thresholds provoke sustained beat-to-beat mechanical oscillations in ventricular muscle contraction strength.
Sympathetic nervous system activation serves as a physiological buffer against alternans induction during increases in heart rate.
Alternans indicates high diagnostic and prognostic risk in patients presenting with advanced heart failure and aortic valve disease.

Cite This Study

David E. Euler (1999) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1f718d2865985bbe2ad751 https://doi.org/10.1016/s0008-6363(99)00011-5

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Cardiac alternans: mechanisms and pathophysiological significance

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Cardiac alternans: mechanisms and pathophysiological significance

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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