Fig. 2.

Schematic representations of the foetal, adult and diseased action potential. (LEFT) In the foetal stages of cardiac development, the heart has a prolonged action potential primarily due to a reduced expression of potassium channels. (MIDDLE) A schematic representation of an adult heart action potential. Compared to the foetal heart, the adult heart has an increased expression of potassium channels, sodium channels, and a reduction in calcium channels. (RIGHT) Following cardiac injury, the myocardium has a reduced expression of potassium channels and sodium channels coupled to an increase in the expression of calcium‐sensitive channels. This switch leads to an increase in action potential, reminiscent of the foetal action potential.