Author(s)

A. Urbaszek & M. Schaldach

Abstract

Computer simulations of the patient's hemodynamics are a powerful tool to investigate new sensors and to develop effective algorithms for rate-adaptive pacemakers prior to clinical evaluation. After a detailed analysis of the hemody- namic objectives of rate-adaptive pacing, a numerical model of the human cardiovascular system with focus on short-term adaptation to exercise and other influences is presented, which involves circulatory hemodynamics, myocardial mechanics and excitation-contraction coupling on the cellular level and allows individual consideration of pathophysiological conditions. The simulation results show good agreement with experimentally obtained data (e.g., pressure and volume traces). The results demonstrate, that the rate adaptation algorith

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