Strategically Targeting Calcium: Altering activation sequence to reverse remodel the failing ventricle

It is well known that abnormal ventricular activation promotes mechanical and electrical remodeling resulting in ventricular mechanical dysfunction and possibly arrhythmias.1, 2Altered ventricular activation is most deleterious when it is most dyssynchronous. Early-activated ventricular segments (typically septal) have early systolic shortening and decreased myocardial fiber strain, while late-activated segments (typically posterolateral wall) undergo significant late systolic strain, promoting adverse remodeling, with downstream effects on Ca2+ and ionic remodeling.

Source: Heart Rhythm - April 21, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lance D. Wilson, Isabelle Deschenes Source Type: research