An ovine model of tachycardia-induced degenerative dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure with prolonged onset

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a model of long-term progressive heart failure (HF). Methods and Results: A cardiac output flowprobe was implanted on the pulmonary artery of 9 adult sheep weighing 40 to 50 kg. Rapid ventricular pacing for 21 days at 160 to 190 bpm (rate A) resulted in moderate HF. Animals were then paced at 205 to 215 bpm (rate B) for 42 days (severe HF) and for 28 days at rate B (advanced HF). Data were collected at baseline and moderate, severe, and advanced HF during submaximal exercise testing and by transthoracic echocardiography in sinus rhythm. There were marked increases in left ventricular (LV) area, mitral valve regurgitation, and LV end-diastolic ..