Adaptation of the Cardiac Myofiber Orientations Through Deformation: Computational Analysis of the Myocardial Structure

The distribution of mechanical load throughout the wall is very sensitive to the myofiber orientation [1]. Yet, heterogeneity myofiber shortening, metabolism as well as oxygen consumption is limited, indicating heterogeneity in mechanical load is limited [2,4]. This suggests that mechanical loading is able to control the myofiber direction. However, the relation between mechanical loading and the myocardial structure remains unclear. Understanding this relation may be useful to gain additional knowledge about the role of mechanical factors in (patho-)physiology of the myocardial structure.