ISSN:
1522-9602
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract Oxygen consumption of the left ventricle (MVO 2) was evaluated theoretically under the condition that the ventricle pumps a constant stroke volume against a constant arterial pressure, hence producing a constant external mechanical stroke work, with a widely varied contractility.MVO 2 was calculated by an empirical equation which had been inferred previously. Theoretical results indicated that the ventricle has a contractility at whichMVO 2 is minimal in spite of constant external work and therefore the mechanical efficiency as a pump is maximal. Such a contractility can be considered to be optimal from a standpoint of metabolic economy. The optimal contractility fell within the physiological range of contractility which had been observed experimentally. The result suggests a possibility that the contractility of a normal heart might be physiologically adapted to such an optimal level.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02460874
