What factors should you consider when modeling blood flow in the human body?

2 Rheology and composition

Another factor to consider when modeling blood flow is the rheology and composition of the blood. The blood is a complex fluid that consists of plasma and various types of cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The rheology of the blood depends on the hematocrit, which is the volume fraction of red blood cells, the shear rate, which is the rate of deformation of the fluid, and the temperature, which affects the viscosity and density of the fluid. The composition of the blood affects the transport and exchange of oxygen, nutrients, metabolites, hormones, and drugs in the system, as well as the activation and aggregation of platelets and the inflammatory response.

3 Pulsatility and regulation

A third factor to consider when modeling blood flow is the pulsatility and regulation of the cardiac output. The blood flow is driven by the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart, which generates a pulsatile pressure and flow wave that propagates along the vessels. The pulsatility of the blood flow affects the hemodynamic forces, the energy dissipation, and the wave reflection in the system, as well as the compliance and adaptation of the vessels. The regulation of the cardiac output depends on the neural and hormonal signals that modulate the heart rate, the stroke volume, and the peripheral resistance in response to various physiological and pathological conditions.

4 Interactions and coupling

A fourth factor to consider when modeling blood flow is the interactions and coupling between blood and other tissues and organs. The blood flow is not isolated from the rest of the body, but rather interacts with and influences the function and behavior of other systems, such as the respiratory system, the lymphatic system, the nervous system, and the immune system. The interactions and coupling between blood and other tissues and organs affect the pressure and flow distribution, the mass and heat transfer, and the mechanical and biochemical signals in the system, as well as the homeostasis and adaptation of the body.

6 Validation and verification

A sixth factor to consider when modeling blood flow is the validation and verification of the models and their results. The validation and verification of the models are essential steps to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and applicability of the models and their predictions. The validation of the models involves comparing the model results with experimental or clinical data from relevant sources, such as in vitro, in vivo, or in silico studies. The verification of the models involves checking the model implementation and performance with respect to the model assumptions, parameters, and errors, such as mesh convergence, numerical stability, and sensitivity analysis.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?