The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 19, 309-312, Copyright © 1975 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
A simple model of the hemodynamic effects of a proximal coronary artery narrowing
EH Klopp and VL Gott
A simple mathematical model of the hemodynamic effects of a discrete
proximal coronary artery obstruction is presented. The model demonstrates
that resting myocardial flow demands fail to be met when the vessel
diameter is decreased by 75% or greater. More strikingly, it shows that the
maximum flow obtainable for increased myocardial oxygen demand begins to
fall significantly with a lesion causing a 40 to 50% obstruction. The
implications of these findings in relation to stress- induced angina are
discussed.