ECG FORWARD SIMULATION WITH THE COMPUTER

This paper describes a simulation program for ECG modelling for use wi th IBM-compatible computers. The underlying three-dimensional heart mo del comprising 4,500 units complies with the four criteria for valid E CG-forward modelling established by Gulrajani in 1989: accurate cardia c geometry, element-to-element propagation of the excitation stimulus, definition of action potentials and a suitable means of computing the surface ECG potentials from those measured in the model. For evaluati on of the model, simulations of physiological excitation and of pathol ogies (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, complete AV-block, inferior wal l ischaemia) were examined. A high level of correspondence was found b etween the model situation and the surface ECG. In view of the widespr ead use of IBM-compatible computers, this new program is well suited f or teaching and training purposes.