Frank-Starling Mechanism

Explain how the Frank-Starling mechanism is clinically relevant?

Answer

There are three basic mechanisms that regulate the heart contractile strength in acute conditions. First, stroke volume and muscle force vary directly with preload and the length of sarcomere, respectively. This phenomenon is known as Frank-Starling law of the heart. Second, the development of myocardial force depends on heart rate; isometric forces at peak level increases as the heart rate increases in normal myocardium of mammals including cardiac muscles of human beings (Moss & Fitzsimons, 2002). Third, the muscles of heart are under neurohumoral control, including vagal and sympathetic nervous system and few ...