The time-varying elastic properties of the left ventricular muscle

We combine two techniques in order to discuss the time-varying elastic properties of the left ventricular muscle. An analytic model for the shape and forces in the left ventricle is combined with the Fourier series representations of certain of the ventricular dimensions and pressure to derive expressions for the stress and strain in the left ventricle. The strain is thus a function of the elastic material properties, which are then expressed as functions of time by using Fourier series. The only data needed for a numerical study using these techniques are closed-chest determinations of the ventricular dimensions and the ventricular pressure.