Research Article
Heart as an Inverted Octagonal Pyramid: Fluid Dynamics of Cardiac Ejection
Pradeep Kumar Radhakrishnan*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
23-30
Received:
24 April 2025
Accepted:
7 May 2025
Published:
25 June 2025
Abstract: Accurate geometric modeling of the human heart is essential for understanding and simulating cardiac fluid dynamics. Traditional left ventricular (LV) models—typically ellipsoidal, cylindrical, or conical—are limited in their ability to represent the complex regional structure and dynamic flow conditions present in a functioning heart. This study proposes an advanced geometric abstraction: the inverted octagonal pyramid model of the LV. This configuration introduces eight triangular faces converging at the apex, with an anatomically inspired octagonal base representing the mitral valve annulus, offering superior segmentation, mesh compatibility, and regional mechanical analysis. Using unsteady Navier-Stokes equations under physiological boundary conditions, this model captures systolic ejection mechanics including jet formation, vortex dynamics, wall shear stress (WSS) distribution, and flow separation zones. Quantitative simulation results across three scenarios—healthy heart, aortic stenosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—reveal that the pyramid model predicts a Reynolds number (Re) range of 1200–5100 and vortex entropy index (VEI) values up to 0.6, indicating transitional-to-turbulent flow in diseased states. WSS distribution, especially near polygonal junctions, highlights zones of potential endocardial stress and thrombotic risk that conventional models fail to capture. This geometry is not only computationally robust for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling but also aligns with echocardiographic segmental views, enhancing clinical relevance. Applications include patient-specific valve and stent design, surgical planning, CRT lead placement, and AI-based cardiac flow diagnostics. By more faithfully reflecting the true structural and flow heterogeneity of the heart, the inverted octagonal pyramid model establishes a new standard for integrative, biomechanical cardiovascular simulations. It bridges clinical imaging, computational modeling, and physiological accuracy—advancing both diagnostic precision and therapeutic planning in contemporary cardiology.
Abstract: Accurate geometric modeling of the human heart is essential for understanding and simulating cardiac fluid dynamics. Traditional left ventricular (LV) models—typically ellipsoidal, cylindrical, or conical—are limited in their ability to represent the complex regional structure and dynamic flow conditions present in a functioning heart. This study p...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Among Reproductive-Aged Women with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
31-40
Received:
26 May 2025
Accepted:
13 June 2025
Published:
4 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijcts.20251103.12
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy causes dilated cardiomyopathy, which develops late in pregnancy or early after childbirth and primarily affects African women. Patients frequently experience more frequent partial or complete recovery than patients with other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy do, emphasizing the crucial role of early diagnosis and management. Despite its global prevalence, there is currently a lack of comprehensive data on the disease's impact and contributing factors in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy and its associated factors among reproductive-aged women with dilated cardiomyopathy who were hospitalized or on cardiac follow-up at three tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted via a universal sampling method at three hospitals. Medical records of reproductive-aged women with Dilated cardiomyopathies that were hospitalized or attended follow-up from October 2021 to September 2023 at the three hospitals were reviewed. Both descriptive and analytical statistical methods were employed via SPSS version 29 for analysis, with the significance level set at a p value <0.05. Frequency tables, descriptive summaries, graphs, and charts were used for illustration. Results: Three hundred four women of reproductive age with dilated cardiomyopathy participated. The prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy was 22.7%. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that preeclampsia [AOR 13.740, 95% CI 1.120--168.509], multiparty [AOR 6.01, 95% CI 1.91--18.93], gestational diabetes [AOR 10.95, 95% CI 1.62--74.09], pregnancy-related anemia [AOR 4.55, 95% CI 1.47--14.09], low socioeconomic status [AOR 6.83, 95% CI 2.06--22.68], and alcohol consumption during pregnancy [AOR 18.98, 95% CI 5.15--70.03] were significantly associated with an increased risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a common form of dilated cardiomyopathy in women of reproductive age. Its association with multiple demographic and obstetric risk factors highlights the need for improved risk assessment and further research. Clinical trial number: not applicable
Abstract: Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy causes dilated cardiomyopathy, which develops late in pregnancy or early after childbirth and primarily affects African women. Patients frequently experience more frequent partial or complete recovery than patients with other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy do, emphasizing the crucial role of early diagnosis an...
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