University of Wellington, NZ

We develop a nonlinear delay-differential equation for the human cardiovascular control system, and use it to explore blood pressure and heart rate variability under short-term baroreflex control. The model incorporates an intrinsically stable heart rate in the absence of nervous control, and features baroreflex influence on both heart rate and peripheral resistance. Analytical simplications of the model allow a general investigation of the r\^{o}les played by gain and delay, and the effects of ageing. View diagram:  Download PDF