Computational Hemodynamic Modeling of the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Computational methods and modeling are widely used in many fields to study the dynamic behaviour of different phenomena. Currently, the use of these models is an accepted practice in the biomedical field. One of the most significant efforts in this direction is applied to the simulation and prediction of pathophysiological conditions that can affect different systems of the human body. In this work, the design and development of a computational model of the human cardiovascular system is proposed. The structure of the model has been built from a physiological base, considering some of the mechanisms associated to the cardiovascular system. Thus, the aim of the model is the prediction, heartbeat by heartbeat, of some hemodynamic variables from the cardiovascular system, in different pathophysiological cardiac situations. A modular approach to development of the model has been considered in order to include new knowledge that could force the model's hemodynamic. The model has been validated comparing the results obtained with hemodynamic values published by other authors. The results show the usefulness and applicability of the model developed. Thus, different simulations of some cardiac pathologies and physical exercise situations are presented, together with the dynamic behaviors of the different variables considered in the model.