What is ventricular repolarization?

Ventricular repolarization is a process that occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart's cardiac cycle. It involves the returning of the electrical charge of the ventricles to their resting state following depolarization, which is the electrical event that triggers the contraction of heart muscle.

During depolarization, the exchange of ions across the cell membrane of heart muscle cells causes a rapid influx of positively charged ions (sodium and calcium), which generates an electrical current that spreads throughout the heart and triggers muscle contraction.

After the contraction, the positive charges are pumped out of the cell by the sodium-potassium pump, restoring the negative charge inside the cell. This process is known as repolarization.

The repolarization of the ventricles is a critical component of cardiac function since it ensures a steady and regular heartbeat. Any disruption in the repolarization process can cause serious cardiac disorders such as arrhythmias or angina, and can even lead to sudden cardiac arrest.