A simplified mechanical modeling for myocardial contractions and the ventricular pressure–volume relationships

We present a simplified heart model with the aim of introducing a mechanical point of view in the interpretation of the pressure–volume loops. In particular, we propose a mechanical description of muscle contraction, and discuss its implications with reference to a specific pressure–volume loop representative of a normal human patient.

► We introduce the active deformation to describe the muscle contraction. ► We deliver a new interpretation of the pressure–volume loop. ► We introduce state equation for PV loops involving pressure, volume and contraction.