The forgotten chamber: The importance of the right ventricle

Abstract

Historically, the right heart was viewed as less important than the left heart in the maintenance of normal overall hemodynamic performance. However, there is now considerable evidence that emphasizes the significance of intact right ventricular (RV) function. The RV's anatomy and physiology are reviewed in order to provide insight into how changes in volume can be accommodated within a low-pressure environment and how this contributes to hemodynamic stability. The interdependent relationship between the right and left ventricles is also explored. The contribution of RV performance to overall hemodynamics is best exemplified when the RV becomes diseased. RV infarction, atrial septal defect, and cor pulmonale are used as examples to illustrate the dramatic sequelae associated with RV dysfunction, as well as to identify the RV's specific adaptive mechanisms.

Sleep disordered breathing and enlargement of the right heart after myocardial infarction

“…RV function is highly dependent on afterload, for which left atrial pressure is a widely accepted indicator [1,30]. This fact is supported by the current results, which show RV enlargement in the presence of increased left atrial area.…”

Right Ventricular Function and Failure

“…22 However, the role of the right ventricle in congestive heart failure has been relatively overlooked until recently, 23 in part because of the perception that it is somewhat of a passive conduit. 24 This impression has been reinforced on the one hand by observations of successful outcomes in Glenn and Fontan procedures and has been refuted on the other by recognition of the sequelae of right ventricular myocardial infarction.…”

Using volume-time curves with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography to analyze right ventricular function in patients with pneumoconiosis

“…Scientific advancements in the study of cardiac structure and function have led to increased attention on evaluation of right ventricular function (Di Salvo et al, 1995;Rigolin et al, 1995). Assessment of the degree of volume and pressure load caused by various diseases on right ventricular function (Heusch et al, 2006;Kjaergaard et al, 2006) is extremely important when making treatment choices and predicting prognosis.…”