Fozzard H A, Makielski J C
Annu Rev Med. 1985;36:275-84. doi: 10.1146/annurev.me.36.020185.001423.
The cellular events leading to clinical manifestations of acute (less than 30 minutes) ischemia are discussed, with emphasis on the role of early extracellular K+ accumulation and its effect on sodium current kinetics, which causes changes in excitability, conduction, and refractory periods. These are the cellular phenomena responsible for ST elevation, reentry, and enhanced automaticity, which characterize the early clinical events in ischemia. During this early period, ATP levels are normal and calcium metabolism appears normal.
