Delayed afterdepolarizations

Delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) are abnormal electrical signals inside heart cells that happen after normal heartbeats. They result from an imbalance in how cells handle calcium, a key element for heart muscle contraction. When calcium builds up excessively inside the cells, it can cause small, misplaced electrical impulses. These impulses can sometimes trigger extra, unwanted heartbeats, which may lead to irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias. DADs are important in understanding certain heart conditions because they highlight how disturbances in calcium regulation can affect the heart's electrical stability.