← Physiological and Medical Modelling

Cardiovascular models

Cardiovascular models describe blood flow, pressure and the mechanical action of the heart and vessels.

Flow and resistance

A simple lumped relationship analogous to Ohm's law is

\[Q=\frac{\Delta P}{R},\]

where \(Q\) is flow, \(\Delta P\) a pressure difference and \(R\) vascular resistance.

Compliance

Vascular compliance relates changes in blood volume and pressure:

\[C=\frac{dV}{dP}.\]

Combining resistance and compliance gives compartment models for time-dependent pressure and flow.

More detailed models

Spatial blood-flow models can use conservation laws and fluid-dynamical equations, while whole-circulation models often use networks of lumped compartments.

Key idea. Cardiovascular mathematics links conservation of blood volume with pressure–flow relationships and vessel mechanics.