Normalized input impedance and arterial decay time over heart period are independent of animal size

Abstract

The arterial system of mammals in the weight range from 0.6 to 70 kg is characterized by the three-element windkessel, a succinct representation of the arterial tree consisting of the parameters peripheral resistance (Rp), total arterial compliance (C), and aortic characteristic impedance (Zc). The values of these parameters in resting conditions are related to body mass (M). The time constant, or decay time (tau), of the arterial system (defining rate of decay of aortic pressure in diastole), the product of Rp and C, is also evaluated. The dependencies of the heart period (T, inverse of heart rate), and durations of ejection (Ts) and of diastole (Td) in resting conditions are also determined as a function of M. It is found that Rp = Rp0M-0.93; Zc = Zc0M-0.97; and C = C0M+1.23, where Rp0, Zc0, and C0 are proportionality constants. Zc is thus a constant fraction of Rp in all mammals. tau is related to M as tau = tau 0M+0.29; T and Td are related to M as T = T0M+0.27 and Td = Td0M+0.30, where tau 0, T0, and Td0 are proportionality constants. The duration of diastole is thus a constant fraction of T, and the ratios T/tau and Td/tau are independent of M. The findings indicate that arterial input impedance, normalized to aortic Zc and plotted as a function of frequency normalized to heart rate, is similar for all mammals. The finding that the ratio Td/tau is the same in mammals (and Ts/T and stroke volume/M are constant) explains the constancy of pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic pressure).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)