Arterial remodeling in response to hypertension using a constituent-based model.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Previous models of hypertension-induced arterial remodeling used phenomenological strain energy functions lacking clear physiological meaning.
• Arterial adaptation to hypertension involves geometric and material property changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend existing models by applying remodeling rate equations to a constituent-based strain energy function.
• To investigate the role of collagen engagement in arterial adaptation to hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Developed a new constituent-based strain energy function incorporating collagen engagement statistics.
• Applied stress-driven remodeling rate equations to the new strain energy function.
• Predicted arterial adaptation to sustained hypertension.

Main Results:

• The model predicts asymptotic wall thickening and a stable inner radius, conserving hoop stress and intimal shear stress.
• Mechanical adaptation restores arterial compliance to control levels.
• The adapted arterial material becomes softer, with changes primarily driven by collagen engagement profile adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Biomechanical adaptation in hypertension can be achieved solely through readjustment of the collagen engagement profile.
• This approach provides a physiologically meaningful basis for understanding arterial remodeling.
• Findings align with experimental data on arterial adaptation to hypertension.