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 8.1). Many physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical factors are directly or indirectly affected by myocardial stress and strain (Table 8.2). Of course, the factors in Table 8.1 and Table 8.2 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 8.1, but mention is made where appropriate to some of the factors in Table 8.2.
