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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
Published on: July 21, 2023
Exploring the mechanisms underlying stroke volume variability reduction in a murine model of heart failure with
Gemma Fernández-Mendoza1, Abraham Méndez-Fernández2, Hugo J Alves-Figueiredo3
1Departamento de Física, Escuela Superior de Física y Matemáticas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México.
Abstract:
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is accompanied by disregulation of cardiovascular function. Heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly used to assess autonomic dysfunction in HFrEF. However, analysis of stroke volume variability (SVV) may provide additional insights. We examined HRV and SVV in a mouse model of HFrEF. HFrEF mice exhibited reduced stroke volume and ejection fraction versus controls, confirming cardiac contractile dysfunction. HRV was preserved in HFrEF mice. However, SVV was markedly diminished, indicating dissociation between HRV and SVV regulation. Using a mathematical model, we propose that Frank-Starling mechanism abnormalities in HFrEF disrupt SVV independent of HRV. Assessing SVV could thus provide unique insights beyond HRV into cardiovascular control deficits in HFrEF.
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