ABSTRACT
The primary function of the heart, to pump blood through the circulatory system, is fundamentally mechanical. In this chapter, cardiac function is discussed in the context of the mechanics of the ventricular walls from the perspective of the determinants of myocardial stresses and strains (Table 54.1). Many physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical factors are directly or indirectly affected by myocardial stress and strain (Table 54.2). Of course, the factors in Table 54.1 and Table 54.2 are closely interrelated — most of the factors affected by myocardial stress and strain in turn affect the stress and strain in the ventricular wall. For example, changes in wall stress due to altered hemodynamic load may cause ventricular remodeling, which in turn alters geometry, structure, and material properties. This chapter is organized around the governing determinants in Table 54.1, but mention is made where appropriate to some of the factors in Table 54.2.
