The resonance theory of coronary arterial wall stress as an explanation for the distribution of coronary artery disease.
The coronary arteries are unique within the arterial system in being subject to a continuous oscillatory displacement. It is hypothesised that oscillatory resonance of the coronary arteries occurs when the heart rate is the same as the arteries' Natural Frequency of oscillation. If resonance were to occur then standing waves would exist along the coronary arteries. The sites of the anti-nodes of such standing waves would be the sites of increased wall stress and therefore be expected to be predisposed to disease. Coronary artery resonance would explain the observed increased incidence of disease in the proximal segments of the arteries. It is proposed that coronary artery resonance is a previously unrecognised aetiological factor for coronary artery disease that contributes to its location. If the hypothesis is true then there are potential important consequences for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
John
Lindsay C H
LC
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK. lindsay.john@nhs.net
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D014732:Vibration