Simulation study on the effect of external vibration on left ventricular function: potential indicator of LV tolerance to the sudden reduction of myocardial contractility

In a previous study the authors reported that external mechanical vibration applied to the left ventricular (LV) epicardium induces contractility-dependent depression in LV pressure, stroke volume and stroke work. It was suggested that this depression may be caused by the direct effect of external vibration on contractile protein. In another paper in this issue, it is proved that LV function with various myocardial contractilities and the actual process of deterioration in heart failure are well simulated in the model proposed by Beyar and Sideman, after some modifications have been made. In the study reported here it is assumed that an external mechanical vibration induces sudden reduction in myocardial active stress in the model of Beyar and Sideman; in this way the contractility-dependent effect of external vibration on LV function has been simulated. The results of this simulation support the suggestion that external mechanical vibration directly affects contractile protein and reduces LV function, and it is further suggested that the reduction of LV function induced by external vibration reflects the reserve or tolerance capacity of LV to a sudden reduction of myocardial contractility.