The Biophysical Foundations of Heart Function
Keywords:
hemodynamics; hydraulic model; Doppler effect; cardiopulmonary bypass; hemolysis.Abstract
The biophysical foundations of heart function study the main physiological
and biophysical processes that regulate the heart's activity. These processes include the
rhythmic contractions of the heart, its electrophysiological characteristics, the circulatory
system, and the ion fluxes across cell membranes. Heart muscle contraction is primarily
controlled by electrical impulses that originate from the sinoatrial node and are transmitted
to the atrioventricular node. These impulses lead to ion exchanges in heart muscle cells,
generating potential differences across membranes and resulting in heart muscle
contractions. From a biophysical perspective, ensuring the effective functioning of the heart
requires a balance between the electrical and mechanical processes. Moreover, to maintain
the stability of the circulatory system, the heart's pumping function and regulation of blood
pressure are crucial.
This topic aids in gaining a deeper understanding of the functional mechanisms of the
heart and provides scientific foundations for preventing and treating cardiovascular
diseases.
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