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Dryad

Steady-state time series and code

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Feb 13, 2023 version files 57.88 MB

Abstract

Pressure-flow travelling waves are a key topic for understanding arterial haemodynamics. However, wave trasmission and reflection processes induced by body posture changes have not been thoroughly explored yet.

Current in-vivo research has shown that the amount of wave reflection detected at the central level (ascending aorta, aortic arch) decreases during tilting to the upright position, despite the widely-proved stiffening of the cardiovascular system (CVS). Moreover, it is not known whether the optimized configuration of the arterial system typical of the supine condition - i.e., enabled propagation of direct waves vs. trapping of reflected waves, protecting the heart - is preserved or not after posture changes. 

To shed light on these aspects, we propose a multiscale modelling approach to inquire into posture-induced arterial wave dynamics elicited by simulated head-up tilting. In spite of remarkable remodelling of the human vasculature following posture changes, our analysis shows that: (i) vessels lumens at arterial bifurcations remain well matched in the forward direction; (ii) the reduced wave reflection observed at the central level seems to be caused by backward propagation of weakened pressure waves produced by cerebral autoregulation; and (iii) backward wave trapping is preserved upon orthostatic stress.