Passive mechanical properties of the left ventricular myocardium and extracellular matrix in hearts with chronic volume overload from mitral regurgitation.

Cardiac volume overload from mitral regurgitation (MR) is a trigger for left ventricular dilatation, remodeling, and ultimate failure. While the functional and structural adaptations to this overload are known, the adaptation of myocardial mechanical properties remains unknown. Using a rodent model of MR, in this study, we discern changes in the passive material properties of the intact and decellularized myocardium.