Computational Cellular Model of Heart Rate Variability During Controlled Respiration

Abstract

The sinoatrial node (SAN), located in the right atrium wall, is the heart's biological pacemaker and determines heart rate due to the repetitive spontaneous action potentials for cardiac rhythmic contractions in the heart pacemaker cells. The funny current (If) and SAN, together with regulation by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, modulate the frequency of the SAN action potential. The interaction of these systems is responsible for the rhythmic pacemaker activity, controlling heart rate, and abnormalities resulting in arrhythmias.