A theoretical investigation of low frequency diameter oscillations of muscular arteries

Periodic diametral fluctuations have been measured in vivo on the radial artery. A theoretical investigation was performed on a possible mechanism of these low frequency phasic contractions. We used an one-dimensional lumped parameter model, which took into account both passive and active components of the arterial wall. The nonlinear stability analysis showed that, under certain conditions, the muscular arteries became mechanically unstable and periodic self-sustained oscillations could exist.