Cardiomyocyte Remodeling in Atrial Fibrillation and Hibernating Myocardium: Shared Pathophysiologic Traits Identify Novel Treatment Strategies?

Figure 1

Surface electrocardiogram shows sinus rhythm (a) with organized atrial electrical activity and contraction following impulse formation from the sinus node. There is a one-to-one relationship between atrial (p wave) and ventricular depolarization (QRS) with normal electrical conduction. However, atrial fibrillation (b) is associated with rapid, chaotic atrial electrical activity with variable ventricular conduction. Intracardiac recording of atria (c) shows disorganized electrical activity.

(a)

(b)

(c)