Left Ventricular Tension and Stress in Man

Abstract

A method is described for calculating tension and stress acting within the wall of the left ventricle during the cardiac cycle. This method is based upon ventricular pressure observations and measurements of left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness made from biplane angiocardiograms. To calculate wall tension and stress, it is assumed that the left ventricle can be represented as an ellipsoid of revolution with a relatively thin wall. The relative importance of ventricular pressure, volume, shape and wall thickness in determining the magnitude of wall tension and stress is illustrated and discussed.