A computer model of ST changes in subendocardial ischaemia

We describe a computer model of the epicardial and endocardial potentials during partial myocardial ischaemia. The heart is represented by a block with both left and right ventricles included. A bidomain model is used to represent the myocardium. The results show that when the ischaemic region reaches the septum, the current mainly goes through blood which changes the epicardial potential distribution dramatically. The negative epicardial potential is mainly due to current flowing across the boundary of the ischaemia on the free wall. All coronary arteries share territorial boundaries over the free wall, which results in epicardial ST depression over the boundary no matter which territory is made ischaemic. The simulations are in good agreement with measurements in an animal model