Background While quantitative RV strain analysis may be useful in congenital and acquired heart disease populations with RV failure, a comprehensive, standardized approach is lacking. An 18 segment RV strain analysis obtained from 3 standardized RV apical echo images was used to determine the feasibility, normal values and reproducibility of the method in normal adults. Methods Forty healthy, prospectively-enrolled volunteers with no cardiac history and normal QRS duration received an echo optimized for strain analysis including 3 RV apical views. 2D speckle tracking longitudinal strain analysis was performed on EchoPAC software. Eleven retrospectively-identified subjects with RV disease were included as a pilot population. All had been imaged using the same protocol including the 3 RV apical views. Results All control subjects had normal anatomic morphology and function by echo. Feasibility of the RV strain analysis was good (adequate tracking in 696/720 (97%) of segments). RV global peak systolic strain was −23 ± 2%. Peak strain was highest in the RV free wall and lowest in the septum. Dyssynchrony indices demonstrated no dyssynchrony using LV criteria. Reproducibility of most strain measures was acceptable. This methodology identified important disease not seen in the 4-chamber apical view alone in the pilot population of 11 patients with RV disease. Strain pattern and values were different from the control population indicating differences do exist from normal. Conclusions The 18 segment RV strain analysis is feasible with strain measures falling into discrete ranges in this normal population. Those with RV disease illustrate the potential utility of this approach. These data indicate that this model can be utilized for more detailed studies evaluating abnormal RV populations where its full potential can be assessed.