Digital Learning: Cardiac Physiology and Pathophysiology

Background: The complexities of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology are not easily understood by students and residents. Cardiac diseases lead to anatomical adaptations due to stenoses or insufficiencies, which in turn have pathophysiological consequences. An app will be used to facilitate access to this complex subject.

Method: With the help of digital Wiggers charts, ECG, sonogram, aortic pressure, left ventricular pressure, left atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure and right atrial pressure are graphically displayed simultaneously in an app. In addition, the left ventricular volume, the left atrial volume, the flow velocity in the LVOT and across the mitral valve can be displayed. A cross-sectional view of the heart is shown in parallel, showing left atrium, left ventricle, left ventricular outflow tract, and ascending aorta, as well as the opening and closing mitral and aortic valves. Blood flow is symbolized by red particles flowing through the compartments. The heart motion and the curve progression are synchronized with each other, so that each phase of the cardiac cycle can be traced in the curve progressions. The cardiac cycle can be stopped, started and slowed down. By recording the curves in parallel, volume and pressure changes in the cavum of the heart can be understood and traced. This is then especially true for cardiac vitiation. Altered size ratios of the cardiac cavities as well as pressure changes are also dependent on the stages of the disease. The pathophysiological changes in pressure and volume curves in valvular vitiation are thus clearly illustrated. Specifications regarding ejection fraction, heart rate and intracavitary size ratios result in corresponding stroke volumes and thus cardiac output. Typical changes of these parameters in aortic valve stenosis and insufficiency as well as in mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency become easily understandable and improve the learning success of our young colleagues.

Conclusion: Digital learning can greatly facilitate the understanding of complex issues. With the help of an app, a rapid and thorough understanding of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology can be achieved.

Publication History

Article published online:
03 February 2022