A cellular automaton model for the ventricular myocardium considering the layer structure**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11365003 and 11165004).

Abstract

A cellular automaton model for the ventricular myocardium considering the layer structure has been established. The three types of cells in this model differ principally in the repolarization characteristics. For the normal travelling waves in this model, the computer simulation results show the R, S, and T waves and they are qualitatively in agreement with the standard electrocardiograph. Phenomena such as the potential decline of point J and segment ST and the rise of the potential line after the T wave appear when the ischemia occurs in the endocardium. The spiral wave has also been simulated, and the corresponding potential has a lower amplitude, higher frequency, and wider R wave, which accords with the distinguishing feature of the clinical electrocardiograph. Mechanisms underlying the above phenomena are analyzed briefly.