Coupled computational analysis of arterial LDL transport -- effects of hypertension.

Hypertension, a risk factor for atherosclerosis, increases the uptake of low density lipoproteins (LDL) by the arterial wall. Our objective in this work was to use computational modeling to identify physical factors that could be partially responsible for this effect. Fluid flow and mass transfer patterns in the lumen and wall of an arterial model were computed in a coupled manner, replicating as closely as possible previous experimental studies in which LDL uptake into the artery wall was measured in straight, excised arterial segments.

Computational analysis of coupled blood-wall arterial LDL transport.

The transport of macromolecules, such as low density lipoproteins (LDLs), across the artery wall and their accumulation in the wall is a key step in atherogenesis. Our objective was to model fluid flow within both the lumen and wall of a constricted, axisymmetric tube simulating a stenosed artery, and to then use this flow pattern to study LDL mass transport from the blood to the artery wall. Coupled analysis of lumenal blood flow and transmural fluid flow was achieved through the solution of Brinkman's model, which is an extension of the Navier-Stokes equations for porous media.