Abstract
There is growing attention for the study of the right ventricle in cardiovascular disease and in particular in heart failure. In this clinical setting, right ventricle dysfunction is a significant marker of poor prognosis, regardless of the degree of left ventricular dysfunction. Novel echocardiographic methods allow for obtaining a more complete evaluation of the right ventricle anatomy and function as well as of the related abnormalities in filling pressures. Specific and effective therapies for the right ventricle dysfunction are still not well defined and this represents the most difficult and important challenge. This article focuses on available diagnostic techniques for studying right ventricle dysfunction as well as on the therapies for right ventricle dysfunction.
Highlights
Sir Harvey was the first to describe the relevance of right ventricular function and to consider the right ventricle (RV), the pulmonary circulation, and the lungs as a single unit [1]
This is even more relevant if we consider that RV dysfunction plays a key role in hemodynamic and prognosis of patients affected by cardiovascular diseases and heart failure (HF) [2]
The RV function analysis must consider its relation with the afterload and it can be evaluated with the Emax to Ea ratio, which defines “right ventriculo-arterial coupling”
Summary
Sir Harvey was the first to describe the relevance of right ventricular function and to consider the right ventricle (RV), the pulmonary circulation, and the lungs as a single unit [1]. The development of new cardiac imaging methods made the study of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the right heart, and pulmonary circulation, more feasible. This is even more relevant if we consider that RV dysfunction plays a key role in hemodynamic and prognosis of patients affected by cardiovascular diseases and heart failure (HF) [2]. In this last clinical setting, RV failure implies an increased risk of cardiac death, regardless of LV dysfunction degree [3]. We discuss RV structure and function, its pathophysiological role in HF, and the related diagnostic and therapeutic critical issues
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
