A terminal dynamics model of the heartbeat.

It is widely assumed that heartbeat dynamics are chaotic, although there has been no evidence confirming such an opinion, and some evidence to the contrary. Additionally, the deterministic assumptions of such dynamics cannot be demonstrated. An alternative model is presented based upon the notion of terminal dynamics, which can more faithfully represent key features of the heartbeat: namely, piecewise determinism, and singular points between beats, which allow for adaptability while maintaining stability.