Arterial wave reflections and left ventricular energy output in vasoconstriction and vasodilation

Abstract

Increased afterload is normally associated with vasoconstriction. The heart has to increase its work to overcome this load, which can be reduced with vasodilators. The forward and reflected waves are computed for the vasoconstriction induced hypertension and subsequent vasodilation conditions. Results show that the increased and decreased work output by the left ventricle is principally modulated by the amount of wave reflection.