Computational analysis to assess cardiac properties from vascular pulse waves

This work presents a computational study aimed to infer cardiac properties from vascular blood waveforms. A cardiovascular model, coupling a 0-D cardiac contraction model and a 1-D haemodynamic model of the human arterial tree, is used. Blood waveforms and the most relevant haemodynamics indices are subjected to a univariate sensitivity analysis varying the parameters describing cardiac dynamics. Results show that the left atrium contractility has negligible effects on vascular pulse waves. Left ventricle contractility, stroke volume, heart rate and leaking valves are determinants of central pressure and flow waveforms morphology, pulse pressure, and pulse pressure amplification.