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The energy output of the left ventricle and the mechanism of congestive heart failure

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Abstract

The average velocity of the blood in the aortic system is approximated by means of a mathematical model. An expression is then derived for the average kinetic energy of the column of blood in an equivalent aorta of pragmatically determined length, which represents the useful energy output of the heart. The theory yields a physiologically reasonable value for the maximal myocardial efficiency with the body at rest of about 0.06 percent. The expression for the kinetic energy clarifies cardiac behavior in health and in such abnormal states as orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. The great increase in cardiac work which results from mobilization of edema fluid in dependent legs into the circulation in the supine position exceeds the limited reserve capacity of the failing heart. A cause of chronic congestive heart failure is also suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky

    Sidney Roston M.D.

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  1. Sidney Roston M.D.
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Roston, S. The energy output of the left ventricle and the mechanism of congestive heart failure. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 33, 195–201 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02579472

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02579472

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