Functional Mechanisms Underlying Tachycardia-Induced Sustained Atrial Fibrillation in a Chronic Dog Model

Abstract

Rapid atrial activation causes time-dependent decreases in ERP, conduction velocity, and wavelength, which, along with increased regional heterogeneity, provide a substrate for AF. The conduction abnormalities and increased regional heterogeneity previously noted in patients with AF may be a consequence, as well as a cause, of the tachyarrhythmia.