Editorial: Exploring mechanisms of cardiac rhythm disturbances using novel computational methods: Prediction, classification, and therapy.

Cardiac rhythm disturbances, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD), represent a major worldwide public health problem, accounting for 15%–20% of all deaths (Mehra, 2007; Srinivasan and Schilling, 2018). The electrophysiological mechanisms underlying certain cardiac arrhythmias and SCD are not completely understood. There is still strong debate whether rhythm disturbances such as atrial and ventricular fibrillation are caused entirely by disorganized rhythms, sustained by multiple wavefronts, or if they are caused by organized drivers with subsequent wave breaks and fibrillatory conduction (Nattel, 2003; Nash et al., 2006).

Computational methods for prediction, classification and therapy of cardiac arrhythmias and SCD are of great interest to improve the clinical outcomes of these disorders. However, considerable challenges persist that limit the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of available methodologies. It is therefore vital to develop computational tools to help better understand the underlying mechanisms and improve effectiveness and efficacy of current therapies.

Recent advances in computational power and applications in bioinspired systems including machine learning, big data and statistical mathematics, allow new and more complex architectures with great potential to outperform traditional methods. Novel computational methods applied in electro-anatomic mapping, non-invasive imaging, cardiac clinical and optical mapping, and biophysical computational models will help to describe the mechanisms causing the arrhythmias. A Research Topic compiling these novel computational methods in complex cardiac arrhythmias and SCD may significantly contribute to shed light on clinical applications in prediction, classification and therapy, providing unique and critical importance for management of these significant public health issues.

This Research Topic includes 17 original papers focusing on technological challenges and breakthroughs for mechanisms of cardiac rhythm disturbances using novel computational methods: prediction, classification, and therapy. The papers were co-authored by 149 authors from various science backgrounds, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary research, particularly by young researchers, in advancing novel computational methods in cardiac research. [Introduction]