Studies into equine electrocardiography and vectorcardiography: I. Cardiac electric forces and the dipole vector theory.
Abstract: Theoretical consideration has been given in two horses to the properties of the electric field created by the equine heart acting as a simple electric generator. The principles of the vectorial theory have been applied to test the validity of application of the dipole concept. The cardiac electric forces, althrough complex in the immediate region of the heart, appear at the body surface in a similar form to those arising from a relatively immobile, single equivalent dipole. The potential value of the technique of vectorcardiography in cardiological investigations is briefly discussed.
Publication Date: 1967-04-01 PubMed ID: 17649586PubMed Central: PMC1494657
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article focuses on the evaluation of the electric field created by the horse heart, using principles of vectorial theory to validate the dipole concept. The study also discusses the potential use of vectorcardiography in cardiac investigations.
Introduction to Equine Electrocardiography and Vectorcardiography
- The research paper concentrates on the study of the electric field generated by the heart of a horse. The heart, in this context, behaves like a basic electric generator.
- Equine electrocardiography is a technique of recording the electrical activity of the horse’s heart over a period of time, a vital tool in assessing the heart’s functioning and diagnosing any potential cardiac abnormalities.
- On the other hand, vectorcardiography aids in the measurement of the direction and magnitude of the electrical forces in the heart. It complements electrocardiography by providing additional data about the heart’s electrical activity.
Dipole Concept and Vectorial Theory
- The research applies the principles of vectorial theory to validate the application of the dipole concept. In physics, a dipole refers to a pair of electrical charges or magnetic poles of equal magnitude but opposite sign, separated by some distance. The heart’s electrical activity can be considered as a dipole.
- The study finds that although the cardiac electric forces are complex near the heart, they manifest at the body surface similarly to those originating from a fairly immobile, single equivalent dipole.
- This finding confirms that the dipole concept can be effectively applied in studying the electric fields produced by a heart, providing valuable insights into cardiac activities and helping in the diagnosis of potential heart diseases.
Vectorcardiography in Cardiology
- The paper also discusses the potential value of vectorcardiography within cardiological investigations. Vectorcardiography can provide a more comprehensive reading of the heart’s electrical activity than is possible with standard ECG alone, therefore offering potentially better diagnostic insights.
- This technique could be especially valuable for analyzing cardiac conditions in horses, aiding the detection and treatment of certain heart conditions and abnormalities.
Cite This Article
APA
Holmes JR, Alps BJ.
(1967).
Studies into equine electrocardiography and vectorcardiography: I. Cardiac electric forces and the dipole vector theory.
Can J Comp Med Vet Sci, 31(4), 92-102.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
References
This article includes 8 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Petersen BV, Carstensen H, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Kanters JK, Buhl R. A novel approach for obtaining 12-lead electrocardiograms in horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):521-531.
- da Costa CF, Samesima N, Pastore CA. Cardiac Mean Electrical Axis in Thoroughbreds-Standardization by the Dubois Lead Positioning System.. PLoS One 2017;12(1):e0169619.
- van der Graaf AW, Bhagirath P, Ramanna H, van Driel VJ, de Hooge J, de Groot NM, Götte MJ. Noninvasive imaging of cardiac excitation: current status and future perspective.. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2014 Mar;19(2):105-13.
- Holmes JR, Alps BJ. Studies Into Equine Electrocardiography and Vectorcardiography: II. Cardiac Vector Distributions in Apparently Healthy Horses.. Can J Comp Med Vet Sci 1967 Jun;31(6):150-5.
- Holmes JR, Alps BJ. Studies into equine electrocardiography and vectorcardiography. IV. Vector distributions in some arrhythmias.. Can J Comp Med Vet Sci 1967 Sep;31(9):219-25.
- Holmes JR, Alps BJ. Studies into equine electrocardiography and vectorcardiography. 3. Vector distribution in some cardiovascular disorders.. Can J Comp Med Vet Sci 1967 Aug;31(8):207-12.
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