Analysis of the Contribution of Cardiovascular Compartments to the Ballistocardiogram Signal Using Mathematical Modeling

The ballistocardiogram (BCG) captures the mechanics and fluid-dynamic properties of the cardiovascular system and provides useful insights into cardiovascular function. However, the cardiovascular mechanisms generating the BCG are still poorly understood and this limits its clinical applications. The present work examines computer-aided methods for understanding the cardiovascular foundations of the BCG signal. The main goal is to investigate how different cardiovascular compartments contribute to the BCG waveform. This is achieved by comparing BCG signals generated by cardiovascular models of increased complexity, while assessing the impact on pressure-volume loops in the left ventricle. All models describe the circulation as a closed-loop system, which is crucial to capture the dynamic interplay among all cardiovascular compartments, with increasing anatomical and physiological detail. The results highlight the importance of including the ventricles, the main arteries, and the cerebral vasculature in a constructive model for the BCG. The findings emphasize the potential of mathematical modeling to significantly impact cardiovascular diagnostics and healthcare.