The interplay of cardiac dysfunctions and hemodynamic impairments during the progression of myocardial infarction in male rats

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) can induce heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Systemic circulation is of importance to interact with MI-induced HFrEF. Hence, we studied the changes of myofiber stresses and peripheral hemodynamics during the progression from MI to HFrEF. MI was induced in Wistar male rats by the coronary artery ligation surgery. Physiological and hemodynamic measurements were carried out in the LV and peripheral arteries at postoperative 3 and 6 weeks, based on which LV myofiber stresses were computed and peripheral hemodynamic analysis was demonstrated. This study showed that MI significantly impaired cardiac functions and peripheral hemodynamics and altered the corresponding histological properties of cardiac wall and peripheral arterial wall, which deteriorated with time after operation. In summary, the interplay of cardiac dysfunctions and hemodynamic impairments accelerates the progression of MI-induced HF.

Keywords: Cardiac mechanics; Hemodynamics; Myocardial infarction; Windkessel model.