Integration of structure, function and mass transport in the myocardium

A left ventricular (LV) model that integrates muscle mechanics, coronary flow, and fluid transport, and accounts for the three-phase (fiber-blood-interstitium) myocardial structure and composition, is used to study the interactions between the mechanics, coronary flow and fluid and mass transport in the myocardium. Theoretical simulations elucidate the effects of ventricular load, coronary perfusion pressure, and fluid and mass transport on ventricular performance and coronary dynamics. The analysis yields a direct relation between cardiac function and structure to cardiac mechanics, coronary flow, and intramyocardial fluid (and mass) transport, and allows to study the interactions between coronary flow, ventricular and myocardial mechanics and intramyocardial fluid shifts.