Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine
Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 608637, 9 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/608637
Research Article

Fast Parameters Estimation in Medication Efficacy Assessment Model for Heart Failure Treatment

Yinzi Ren,1 Xiao Fu,1 Qing Pan,1 Chengyu Lin,1 Guiqiu Yang,1 Li Li,2 Shijin Gong,2 Guolong Cai,2 Jing Yan,2 and Gangmin Ning1

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
2Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310013, China

Received 22 June 2012; Accepted 30 August 2012

Academic Editor: Xuesong Ye

Copyright © 2012 Yinzi Ren et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Introduction. Heart failure (HF) is a common and potentially fatal condition. Cardiovascular research has focused on medical therapy for HF. Theoretical modelling could enable simulation and evaluation of the effectiveness of medications. Furthermore, the models could also help predict patients’ cardiac response to the treatment which will be valuable for clinical decision-making. Methods. This study presents a fast parameters estimation algorithm for constructing a cardiovascular model for medicine evaluation. The outcome of HF treatment is assessed by hemodynamic parameters and a comprehensive index furnished by the model. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) were used as a model drug in this study. Results. Our simulation results showed different treatment responses to enalapril and lisinopril, which are both ACEI drugs. A dose-effect was also observed in the model simulation. Conclusions. Our results agreed well with the findings from clinical trials and previous literature, suggesting the validity of the model.