Numerical simulation progress of whole-heart modeling: A review

Cardiovascular diseases, characterized by high mortality rates, complex etiologies, and challenging prevention and treatment strategies, have become a major focus of public concern. With the advancement of computational numerical simulation technologies, whole-heart modeling has emerged as a crucial direction in cardiovascular engineering research. This review summarizes the progress in numerical simulations of whole-heart models, with a particular emphasis on the modeling and computation of cardiac-related physical fields. Through a retrospective study, this article covers various modeling approaches, including electrophysiological simulations, cardiac mechanics, and fluid–structure interaction models. Advanced theoretical models and numerical techniques are discussed in depth to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the simulations. Currently, numerical simulation techniques for whole-heart modeling have developed a relatively complete theoretical framework to compute key cardiac functions. However, there remains a need for further exploration in multiphysics coupling and high-performance computing to support clinical applications, requiring additional theories and methods. The integration of multiphysics and multiscale modeling is critical for advancing personalized medicine and improving the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Future research will focus on enhancing computational efficiency and expanding clinical applications.