Dynamics of Blood Flows in the Cardiocirculatory System

Abstract

Models and simulations of blood flow in vascular networks are useful to deepen knowledge of cardiovascular diseases. This paper considers a model based on partial differential equations that mimic the dynamics of vascular networks in terms of flow velocities and arterial pressures. Such quantities are found by using ad hoc numerical schemes to examine variations in the pressure and homeostatic conditions of a whole organism. Two different case studies are examined. The former uses 15 arteries—a network that shows the real oscillations in pressures and velocities due to variations in artery volume. The latter focuses on the 55 principal arteries, and blood flows are studied by using a model of a heart valve that opens and closes via the differences in the aortic and left ventricle pressures. This last case confirms the possibility of autonomously regulating blood pressure and velocity in arteries in general and when tilt tests are applied to patients.