Modeling as a Tool for Understanding of Changes in ECG Signals

An updated program for modeling simplified heart geometry and simulation of action potentials propagation is presented. The implemented model allows simulation of geometry changes as well as changes in action potentials amplitude and duration. In propagation simulation real conduction velocities can be considered. Two different pathological situations were simulated using the model. First, only geometrical changes were applied simulating the left ventricular hypertrophy, second, only action potentials properties simulating activation propagation velocity were changed. The resulting ECG signals on the torso were very similar. It is shown that modeling and simulation is useful for explaining of discrepant observations in clinical diagnostics.