The effect of myocardial force on coronary transmural flow distribution

Summary: The role of myocardial force as a determinant of transmural coronary flow distribution was examined in the presence and absence of autoregulation by infusing calcium chloride into a segment of the left coronary system. The concentration of calcium used was adequate to increase force but did not alter coronary pressure or endoventricular pressure. No alterations in transmural gradients of flow were observed following increased regional force. These results suggest that increases in regional force are not of importance as a determinant of transmural blood flow.