Control of Whole Heart Geometry by Intramyocardial Mechano-Feedback: A Model Study
Figure 8
Adaptation to a 20% change of pump load and contractility.
Mean volumes of right and left atria (RA, LA) and right and left ventricles (RV, LV), respectively, are indicated by the larger numbers in ml. Mean thicknesses of atrial and ventricular walls are indicated by italic numbers in mm. Drawn changes in geometry are exaggerated for better visibility. End-diastolic pressures are indicated in mmHg. With 20% increase of stroke volume, all volumes and thicknesses increase (eccentric hypertrophy), except for RV volume. With 20% increase of mean aortic pressure, walls thicken, while geometry does not change much. With a 20% decrease of LV and septal contractility, these walls thicken, while further geometry is preserved.