Figure 10.
A schema depicting potential links between the extent of synchronization of molecular actions. RyR activation and Ca2+ release, to cardiac function and structure in health and disease’. Synchronization within and between cells of the heart is crucial for optimal chronotropism and inotropism of the heart. If this becomes suboptimal or disordered, then the clinical outcome is of arrhythmias and heart failure. ECG panel shows the irregularly irregular rhythm typical of atrial fibrillation, while the echocardiogram snapshot shows an enlarged dilated left ventricle with thinned walls typical of severe heart failure. Reproduced and modified with permission from Ref.205