Simulation of the effect of tachycardia on atherosclerotic plaque development based on the LDL transport in coronary arteries

In this work, the effect of high heart rate on the LDL transport in arteries is examined using the finite element method. The velocity profile is pulsatile, while the tachycardia case is assumed to have 40% increased flow rate and 25% increased velocity than the normal case. The Navier-Stokes equations are used to model the blood flow and LDL transfer is modeled using the convection-diffusion equation. The LDL accumulation is considered to be shear stress dependent. The results indicate the role of hemodynamics on the accumulation of LDL. Moreover, high heart rate enhances the influence of blood flow lengthening the exposure to low shear stress during systole. It is found that the area with low wall shear stress is about 8% greater in the tachycardia case than the normal case. The penetration of LDL on the arterial endothelium is increased at the systolic phase.