OBJECTIVE:

To simulate the cardiovascular response to lower body negative pressure (LBNP).

METHOD:

A computer model was developed. It had 7 subparts: the redistribution of blood, the filling of left ventricle, left ventricle, peripheral circulation, control of heart rate, control of peripheral resistance and control of venous tone. The heart rate and venous tone were controlled by high-pressure receptor baroreflex, while the peripheral resistance was controlled by high- and low-pressure receptor baroreflexes.

RESULT:

With the help of the model, cardiovascular response to LBNP up to -10.64 kPa (-80 mmHg) were simulated, including the changes of systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output. The time-dependent response to a LBNP profile was also simulated. The simulation results coincided well with human experiments.

CONCLUSION:

The model is valid and can accurately reproduce the short-term hemodynamic response to LBNP.