A System Theoretic Oriented Model to Investigate the Dynamics Correlating Respiration and Hearth Rate Variability

Area of Science:

• Cardiorespiratory Physiology
• Systems Biology
• Control Theory

Background:

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function is complex, involving interplay between respiration and heart rate variability (HRV).
• Existing mathematical models lack a unified systems theory framework for analyzing these interactions.
• A rigorous control theory approach is needed to model cardiopulmonary dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general finite-dimensional nonlinear time-invariant (FDNTI) mathematical framework for respiration-cardiovascular interactions.
• To integrate existing cardiopulmonary models into a unified systems theory approach.
• To provide a foundation for advanced control theory analysis of cardiorespiratory dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Reframing existing cardiopulmonary models into an FDNTI framework.
• Utilizing control theory formalism to define state variables, inputs, and system contributions.
• Implementing the model in MATLAB Simulink for simulation studies.

Main Results:

• A system theoretic model capturing respiration-cardiovascular interactions was successfully obtained.
• Simulation tests validated the proposed generalized modeling approach.
• The model effectively addresses state variables, inputs, and linear/nonlinear contributions.

Conclusions:

• The generalized FDNTI framework provides a robust method for analyzing cardiorespiratory interactions.
• This approach enables in-depth investigation of physiological and pathological states.
• The in-silico model facilitates assessment of autonomic functioning using advanced control theory.