Myocardial anisotropy in genesis of abnormal Q waves in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a simulation study

Computer simulation with a whole-heart model was conducted to study genesis of abnormal Q waves in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The anatomic feature of HCM was modeled based on clinical echocardiogram images. Possible changes in anisotropy as well as in other electrophysiologic properties in hypertrophic tissue were simulated based on pathologic findings. Simulated ECGs showing the main features of HCM were obtained by assuming isotropic fiber orientation in hypertrophic tissue and by changing other properties from normal values. This study suggests a possible mechanism to account for abnormal Q waves in HCM.