Genesis and evolution of ectopic ventricular rhythm.

Abstract

The properties common to all forms of ectopic ventricular rhythm are described and analyzed. A unifying concept for the genesis and evolution of ectopic ventricular rhythm is presented. This is based on the principle that the ectopic ventricular focus is a pacemaking center. Evolution of ectopic ventricular rhythm from its slowest manifestation (escape rhythm) to its fastest manifestations (tachycardia and fibrillation) is dependent upon: the development of protection for the ectopic ventricular focus; and an increasing angle to the slope of diastolic deplorari-zation in the ectopic pacemaking center.