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

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.