Specialized software for simulating the multiple control and modulations of human hemodynamics

Abstract

Most models of human hemodynamics describe only a small part of physiological mechanisms that directly or indirectly alter activities of the heart pump and vascular tones. Therefore, a very narrow range of tasks related to cardiovascular physiology can be solved using these models. To essentially widen this range, special software based on quantitative models of mechanisms providing the overall control of circulation is created. In the complex model, a multi-compartmental lumped parametric model of hemodynamics, provided under stable values of blood volume and cardiovascular parameters, forms the core model. It consists of two ventricles and 21 vascular compartments. Additional dynamic models represent mechanisms of mechanoreceptor reflexes, chemoreceptor reflexes, main effects of angiotensin-II, antidi uretic hormone, vasopressin, adrenalin, and cardiac or brain ischemia. The software has a physiologist-oriented user interface. It provides the investigator with multiple capabilities for simulating different states of each included mechanism. The interface also allows creating arbitrary combinations of the chosen mechanisms. In particular, the chosen model of these mechanisms is activated or deactivated via the user interface. The activated model modulates initial values of the core model. Special opportunities have been created for simulating different hypotheses concerning the etiology of arterial hypertension. Simulation results are presented with graphs. The user interface documents each simulation as a special file that can be saved for later independent analysis. The software, created in the frame of .NET technology, is an autonomous .EXE file for executing on PС. Software is also a good computer program to be used for educational purposes for illustrating the main physiological and certain pathological regularities to medical students.