Predicting the onset of period-doubling bifurcations in noisy cardiac systems

Abstract

Significance Predicting the onset of transitions in the qualitative dynamics of complex systems remains a challenging problem, with relevance in diverse fields. This study focuses on the development of early warning signals that can predict the onset of alternating cardiac rhythms. We treat cardiac cells with a potassium channel blocker, which induces the initiation of alternating rhythms. Based on these experiments, we develop a quantitative measure that can detect how far the system is from the transition. Our results suggest that it is possible to predict the onset of potentially dangerous alternating rhythms in the heart.