Introduction to Cardiac Physiology The human heart operates as a dynamic pump, adapting to constantly changing circulatory demands. At the core of this adaptability lies the pressure-volume relationship, which reflects how the ventricles fill and eject blood during each heartbeat. Among these relationships, two critical parameters — preload and the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) — … Read more
Introduction to Cardiac Mechanics The human heart operates through a sophisticated balance of pressure, volume, and timing. These dynamics ensure efficient blood flow, oxygen delivery, and organ perfusion. Three key elements govern cardiac function: preload, afterload, and contractility. Understanding how these parameters interact is crucial for both diagnosis and therapy in cardiac care. What is … Read more
Introduction The heart functions as a highly efficient pump, dynamically adjusting to changing physiological conditions. Two critical factors influencing cardiac function are afterload and preload, which directly impact stroke work and overall cardiac efficiency. These parameters are best analyzed using PV loops: High-fidelity hemodynamics, a graphical representation of ventricular pressure-volume relationships. Understanding the interactions between … Read more
Preload is a fundamental concept in cardiovascular physiology, especially in the context of pressure-volume (PV) loops. It refers to the ventricular wall stress or stretch at the end of diastole, determined by the volume of blood returning to the heart. Understanding preload is essential for clinicians, physiologists, and researchers as it directly influences cardiac function … Read more
The ventricular volume-pressure loop is a cornerstone of cardiovascular physiology, offering a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and volume within the heart’s ventricles during a cardiac cycle. By visualizing how the heart’s left ventricle operates, this loop aids in understanding key concepts like preload, afterload, contractility, and compliance. This article provides a foundational … Read more