Computationally efficient model of myocardial electromechanics for multiscale simulations

PLoS One. 2021 Jul 22;16(7):e0255027. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255027. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

A model of myocardial electromechanics is suggested. It combines modified and simplified versions of previously published models of cardiac electrophysiology, excitation-contraction coupling, and mechanics. The mechano-calcium and mechano-electrical feedbacks, including the strain-dependence of the propagation velocity of the action potential, are also accounted for. The model reproduces changes in the twitch amplitude and Ca2+-transients upon changes in muscle strain including the slow response. The model also reproduces the Bowditch effect and changes in the twitch amplitude and duration upon changes in the interstimulus interval, including accelerated relaxation at high stimulation frequency. Special efforts were taken to reduce the stiffness of the differential equations of the model. As a result, the equations can be integrated numerically with a relatively high time step making the model suitable for multiscale simulation of the human heart and allowing one to study the impact of myocardial mechanics on arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / pathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / physiopathology
  • Excitation Contraction Coupling*
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Myocardium*

Grants and funding

The study was funded by Russian Science Foundation (https://www.rscf.ru/en/) grant 20-74-00046 to F.S. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.