Data analysis and simulation models of systemic to peripheral interaction in cardiovascular regulation

The present paper reviews several open topics in the analysis of cardio-vascular (CV) regulation from CV variability (CVV) series. The main paradigms considered in CVV modelling are the Windkessel features (arterial compliances and total peripheral resistance, TPR) and the baroreflex regulation over TPR and heart rate. These core mechanisms, however, are influenced by the strict non-linear interactions with both cardiopulmonary reflexes and peripheral autoregulation. The resulting anomalies can be investigated by proper analysis methods trying to disentangle different contributions on CVV series. A specific research line focuses the different baroreflex gain estimators aiming at understanding the confounding factors that render them not strictly interchangeable, though similar. A second one, analysis the different features of diastolic and systolic pressure variabilities in connection with other peripheral and system hemodynamic factors. In parallel, simulations of the interaction of systemic behaviour with the distributed non-linear peripheral activity are carried out.