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The heart is an electrically driven mechanical pump, somewhat like an electric motor. Interestingly, like an electric motor in 'dynamo mode', the heart can also convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. This feedback from cardiac mechanics to electrical activity involves mechanosensitive ion channels, whose properties and pathophysiological relevance are reviewed in the context of experimental and theoretical modelling of ventricular beat-by-beat electromechanical function.

Original publication

DOI

10.1113/expphysiol.2005.031062

Type

Journal article

Journal

Exp Physiol

Publication Date

03/2006

Volume

91

Pages

307 - 321

Keywords

Animals, Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Electrophysiology, Heart, Heart Conduction System, Humans, Ion Channels, Mechanoreceptors, Mechanotransduction, Cellular, Membrane Potentials, Models, Cardiovascular, Physical Stimulation, Research, Research Design, Ventricular Function