The use of an analog computer in a circulation model

Abstract

A brief review is given of a mathematical model of the systemic arterial tree that was developed to find a quantitative interpretation of the human longitudinal ballistocardiogram. Derivation and description are presented of an electrical analog of the left ventricle and the systemic arterial tree that has fewer limitations than the mathematical model. Electrical equivalents of blood pressures, blood flows, vascular impedances, plethysmograms, and ballistocardiogram can be easily measured as a function of time, and in absolute value. Samples of such results are reproduced and compared with data reported in the literature.