The arrhythmogenic role of increased dispersion of repolarization (Dispersion) in monophasic action potentials (MAPs) was studied in 12 open-chest dogs. Following exposure of the heart by pericardial cradle, four MAPs were recorded simultaneously from the right and left ventricular surfaces using the suction electrode technique. Maximum dispersion (maxDIS) was defined as the greatest Dispersion...

We present a case of a previously healthy 17 year-old white male boy scout who collapsed after a lightning strike, and was found to be in ventricular fibrillation when emergency medical services arrived. The ventricular fibrillation was defibrillated into sinus rhythm after a single direct current (DC) countershock. However, the patient has remained in coma. Commotio cordis, sudden cardiac deat...

The role of adrenergic mechanisms for the development of ventricular fibrillation during induced hypothermia was studied in cats. Prenylamine (60 mg/kg) caused a disappearance of the adrenergic transmitter in the muscular nerves; those to the vessels were only slightly affected. Thus pretreated, animals can be cooled to 17.8 to 17°C rectal temperature, and subsequently rewarmed, without develop...

The role of adrenergic mechanisms for the development of ventricular fibrillation during induced hypothermia was studied in cats. Prenylamine (60 mg/kg) caused a disappearance of the adrenergic transmitter in the muscular nerves; those to the vessels were only slightly affected. Thus pretreated, animals can be cooled to 17.8 to 17°C rectal temperature, and subsequently rewarmed, without develop...

Background: Alcohol consumption has multiple side effects on heart which can be divided to six subgroups: Heavy alcohol drinkers (80 g/day alcohol consumption) are most susceptible to cardiac complications. The aim of this study was to review alcohol side effects on heart and two present two alcoholic patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Case report: Case A: A 52 year-old man presented with ...

The mechanism of ventricular fibrillation is poorly understood at the cellular level. We explored the role of intracellular free calcium in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ventricular fibrillation in perfused ferret hearts loaded with the Ca2+ indicator 5F-BAPTA. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure [Ca2+]i, pH, and high-energy phosphates. During ventricular fibri...

Ventricular fibrillation is the principal immediate cause of sudden cardiac death. Yet, in contrast to other arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation is considered to be inaccessible to pharmacologic therapy because of its characteristic and apparently never-ending disarray of electrical waves that seem to propagate chaotically throughout the ventricles. Its prevention has historically been focuse...