Effects of Atrial Fibrillation on the Coronary Flow at Different Heart Rates: a Computational Approach

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has several effects on the cardiovascular system responses. This study focuses on the consequences of AF on the coronary blood flow, by exploiting a computational approach. 2000 heartbeat periods (RR) were simulated for 5 different mean heart rates (HR), ranging from 50 to 130 bpm. The resulting flow rate signals at the coronary level were analysed through a specific set of hemodynamic parameters. Three main results emerge during AF: (i) maximal coronary flow rates modify with HR, (ii) the coronary perfusion begins to be impaired when exceeding 90-110 bpm, and (iii) the coronary perfusion pressure is not a good estimate of the coronary blood flow at HRs higher than 90-110 bpm.