Researchers from Samara State Medical University, part of the Russian Ministry of Health, collaborated with engineers from Samara National Research University named after Academician SP Korolev to investigate how arterial pressure changes interact with heart rhythm disorders. Their findings indicate that pressure fluctuations in arteries when arrhythmias are present can act as an additional risk factor for atherosclerosis. The results were shared with socialbites.ca through the press service of the Priority 2030 program, overseen by Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science, highlighting a meaningful advance in cardiovascular science.
To explore these dynamics, the team employed two patented devices designed to simulate intra-arterial circulation and blood flow at the bifurcation region of the main artery, where a vessel splits into two branches. These simulation tools allowed researchers to recreate realistic hemodynamic conditions, including typical heart rhythms and various arrhythmic patterns. By recreating these flow conditions in a controlled setting, clinicians and engineers could observe how arterial walls responded to the combined stresses of pulsatile blood flow and irregular cardiac activity.
The experimental results clearly show that cardiac arrhythmias contribute to an elevated risk for the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic changes in major arteries. In other words, irregular heartbeats may accelerate structural changes in vessel walls, potentially increasing the likelihood of plaque formation and associated complications. This insight adds a new dimension to cardiovascular risk assessment, suggesting that rhythm disorders do not merely affect the heart’s rhythm but can influence vascular health at a systemic level.
Olga Germanova, who directs the International Center for Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardioimaging Science and Education at Samara State Medical University, described the project’s progression. She explained that the team had already completed the clinical portion of the study and developed predictive scales and algorithms intended to guide patient management for those with arrhythmias. The next crucial step was to validate these findings with reliable, tangible tools, and the researchers designed the devices precisely for that purpose. Their work provides a practical bridge between theoretical models and bedside decision-making, reinforcing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex cardiovascular problems.
Commentary from other colleagues in the field underscores the significance of this approach. A former cardiac surgeon noted that the innovations could influence treatment strategies for diseases affecting the arteries of the lower extremities, where vascular health is critical for mobility and quality of life. The combination of advanced modeling, controlled experimentation, and clinical insight represents a comprehensive strategy for understanding arterial disease and improving patient outcomes across diverse populations.