Author/Editor		Ribarič, Samo; Kordaš, Marjan
Title		Simulation of the Frank-Starling law of the heart
Type		članek
Source		Computational and mathematical methods in medicine
Vol. and No.		Letnik 2012
Publication year		2012
Volume		str. 1-12 (ID 267834)
Language		eng
Abstract		We developed a lumped parameter, computer-based model of an equivalent electronic circuit for a one-atrium one-ventricle (frog) heart attached to a vascular circuit, to simulate a basic concept of cardiovascular physiology, the Frank-Starling Law of the Heart. A series of simulations was performed, to observe changes in cardiovascular variables (e.g., arterial pressure, ventricular volume, and valve flows) if either preload or afterload was increased. The simulated data agreed qualitatively, and quantitatively when experimental data are available, with data obtained on amphibian or on mammalian myocardium. In addition, the data obtained in these simulations improve our understanding of themechanism(s) whereby the heartmuscle adapts itself to increased distension (increased preload) or to impeded systolic contraction (increased afterload). The analysis of themeasured valve flows suggests that the ventricle is a highly input sensitive pump because the input pressure determines the diastolic distension and, consequently, the force of ventricular systolic contraction. On the other hand, the ventricle is a relatively output insensitive pump. Therefore, not only atrium contraction, but also predominantly the preceding ventricular systolic contraction is the main mechanism of the subsequent diastolic ventricular filling.We conclude that the presentedmodel enables the study of basic concepts of cardiovascular physiology.
Descriptors		CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM HEART FUNCTION TESTS BLOOD PRESSURE CARDIAC VOLUME CARDIAC OUTPUT MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTION COMPUTER SIMULATION