Sensitivity analysis of closed-loop one-chamber and four-chamber models with baroreflex

Karolina Tlałka , Harry Saxton, Ian Halliday, Xu Xu, Andrew Narracott, Daniel Taylor, Maciej Malawski

The baroreflex plays a crucial role in regulating the human cardiovascular system. This study employs a closed-loop in silico model of baroreflex control, integrated with pulsatile mechanical models featuring (i) a single heart chamber with 36 parameters and (ii) four chambers with 51 parameters. For the first time, a global sensitivity analysis is conducted on these closed-loop systems, accounting for both cardiovascular and baroreflex parameters. The results are compared with non-regulated versions of the models. Findings indicate that regulated parameters have a lower impact compared to non-regulated counterparts, and in a physiological resting state, outputs such as pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output are primarily influenced by parasympathetic arc parameters. This research enhances the understanding of regulation effects and parameter influence on clinical metrics, contributing to the development of personalized healthcare models.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012377

Keywords: baroreflex, sensitivity analysis, cardiovascular system