Integrative and interactive studies of the cardiac system: Deciphering the cardionome

The cardiac system, denoted as the Cardionome, represents one of the most exciting challenges to human ingenuity. Critical to our survival, it consists of a tantalizing array of interacting phenomena, from ionic transport, membrane channels and receptors through cellular metabolism, energy production, fiber mechanics, microcirculation, and electrical activation to the clinically observed global functions. These are measured by pressure, volume, shape, coronary flow, heart rate, and other changes. It is a complex interactive system requiring the intense efforts of capable scientists in the life sciences, including medicine, exact sciences, engineering and biomedical technology devoted to address these multivariable, multidisciplinary challenges, so as understand and control the pathologies involved. Here we present some of our past interactive studies and highlight two new models, one demonstrating micro to macro integration, and one involving tissue-organ interaction of various parameters. These models yield new insights into cardiac performance.