Methods - Experimental animal models to induce cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are of different types based on their mechanism and origin. The information gathered from animal studies has been instrumental in devising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies; so different animal models are needed for different types of arrhythmias. The origin and mechanism underlying clinical arrhythmias are of considerable significance, since knowledge of these processes may provide a basis for successful therapy. Various animal models that encompass different types of arrhythmias are reviewed. This review classifies various experimental models according to their origin, which are mainly supraventricular and ventricular. Also included are various transgenic animal models for arrhythmias.

Keywords
Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, re-entrant arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation