Central Hypovolemia Detection During Environmental Stress-A Role for Artificial Intelligence?

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Assuming an upright posture causes blood to shift to the lower body, reducing central blood volume (CBV) and potentially leading to orthostatic intolerance.
• Post-exercise, the cessation of leg muscle pump function and maintained peripheral vascular conductance can cause a drop in cardiac output, leading to post-exercise hypotension (PEH).
• Quantifying CBV is challenging, with limited readily available instruments for healthy subjects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore methodologies for quantifying central blood volume (CBV) and its implications during and after exercise.
• To investigate the use of advanced technologies like AI and wearable sensors for improved hemodynamic monitoring.
• To understand the physiological responses to postural stress and hypovolemia in both healthy and clinical populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing postural stressors like lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and head-up tilt (HUT) in laboratory settings.
• Quantifying key biomedical parameters related to blood flow and oxygenation.
• Developing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and wearable sensors for hemodynamic monitoring.

Main Results:

• Postural stress, exercise cessation, and blood loss can significantly reduce CBV and stroke volume, impacting cardiac output.
• Imbalances in vascular conductance and cardiac output contribute to post-exercise hypotension.
• Emerging technologies show promise in enhancing the prediction of outcomes and guiding treatment through improved CBV monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Accurate quantification and monitoring of central blood volume are vital for understanding cardiovascular regulation during stress.
• AI and wearable sensor technologies offer promising avenues for advancing hemodynamic monitoring and clinical applications.
• Research into CBV dynamics is relevant for diverse populations, from athletes to patients experiencing hypovolemia or undergoing anesthesia.