Resumen

CIANCAGLINI, Carlos. Hidrodinamia de la circulación vascular periférica normal y patológica. Rev. costarric. cardiol [online]. 2004, vol.6, n.2, pp.43-61. ISSN 1409-4142.

Basic concepts that explain the pumping motion of blood within the peripheral circulatory system, both in normal and pathologic conditions, are briefly explained in this article. This knowledge is essential to understand diagnostic findings and aim therapeutic decisions: preferential location of atherosclerotic plaques, effect of vessel auto regulation at different arterial beds (cerebral, lower limbs), clinical relevance of shear stress, etc. It should be remembered that these principles and theories were described some centuries ago,in environmental Laboratory conditions, that are very different from those found in the human body, dictated by the pumping action of the heart, and the special characteristics of the arteries: elastic walls, branching and progressive tapering throughout the periphery; this determines a field of permanent evolution and research. It must be emphasized, at the same time, their importance as a basic background and the complex nature of these physic laws; plenty of clinical examples are shown in an attempt to overcome these difficulties and make them more comprehensible.