Hemodynamics of the circulatory system

Hemodynamics refers to the physical study and measurement of blood flow and the regulatory mechanisms affecting circulation throughout the cardiovascular system[1][3][7][10]. It encompasses key concepts such as blood pressure (force exerted by blood on vessel walls), blood flow (volume passed per unit time), and vascular resistance (opposition to blood flow within the vessels)[1][4][5][9]. Hemodynamics is not a discrete protein, enzyme, receptor, or molecule, but rather an integrative physiological field applying the principles of fluid dynamics to the movement of blood in the heart and vasculature[1][3][4][5][9][10]. Disturbances in hemodynamics are involved in multiple cardiovascular diseases and conditions, and measurements such as cardiac output, arterial pressure, and vascular resistance are routinely used as biomarkers for diagnosis and management[1][5][9]. Hemodynamic instability (such as seen in shock or heart failure) prompts therapeutic intervention but is not itself a molecular drug target[5][9].

Other names

HemodynamicsHemodynamic responseCardiovascular hemodynamics