Computer simulation of cardiac cycle variables and arrhythmias.

Abstract

As an intergral part of instruction in the normal and abnormal cardiac cycle, the correspondence between and the form of the cardiac variables is presented. The simulations are developed by an analog-logic computer and include the heart sounds (visually and audibly), the ECG, ventricular, atrial and aortic pressure, aortic flow and ventricular volume. The effects of abnormal states occur automatically as different arrhythmias occur. Rhythms include: normal sinus rhythm, sinus arrhythmia, atrial and ventricular premature beats, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and atrioventricular blocks including the Wenckebach type. The program may be expanded to increase its range and usefulness in both clinical and physiological teaching programs. A description of the variables, logic relations, describing functions and control schemes are presented.