Experimental models of cardiac physiology and pathology.

Experimental models of cardiac disease play a key role in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and developing newtherapies. The features of the experimental models should reflect the clinical phenotype, which can have a wide spectrum ofunderlying mechanisms. We review characteristics of commonly used experimental models of cardiac physiology and pathophysiologyin all translational steps including in vitro, small animal, and large animal models. Understanding their characteristicsand relevance to clinical disease is the key for successful translation to effective therapies.