Simulation of long QT syndrome 2 and its associated arrhythmia

Abstract

Computational cardiac models are an emerging technology that can offer unique insight into the field of medicine. Despite this, much progress remains to be made before they can be used in standard clinical practice. One significant challenge is in representing an individual’s particular disease presentation with standardized models. It is necessary to overcome this challenge in order for cardiac models to be practically beneficial to patients in a healthcare setting. In this study, we modify a computational cardiac model to observe the electrophysiological characteristics of a specific cardiac condition: long QT syndrome 2 (LQT2). We simulate the baseline cellular effects of LQT2 as well as the startle response that often triggers life-threatening arrhythmias in patients displaying this condition. Finally, a potential line of therapy for LQT2 is simulated, and significant changes in the cardiac cell action potentials are observed. The approach used demonstrates not only the feasibility of parametrizing cardiac models for disease states but also the benefit that cardiac models can offer to the current healthcare paradigm.