OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on right ventricular functions.
STUDY DESIGN The study consisted of 39 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI. The patients were divided into two groups according to the localization. Inferior and anterior AMI groups included 21 patients (1 female, 20 males; mean age 56 years) and 18 patients (2 females, 16 males; mean age 56 years), respectively. Nine patients with inferior AMI were assessed as a subgroup with right ventricular AMI. The control group included 22 subjects who were found to have normal coronary angiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography findings.
RESULTS Compared to controls, myocardial performance indices (MPI) of the left and right ventricles were significantly higher in both inferior and anterior AMI groups (p<0.001). Similarly, the right ventricle MPI differed significantly between patients with or without right ventricle involvement (p=0.023). In multivariate regression analysis, the left ventricle MPI (b=0.450, p=0.001) and right ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (b=0.507, p<0.001) showed independent relationship with the right ventricle MPI. There were significant differences between patients with (n=13) or without (n=13) successful thrombolytic therapy with regard to the right ventricle MPI (p=0.001) and right ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (p=0.040).
CONCLUSION Regardless of the localization of AMI, impairment in left ventricle functions is accompanied by deterioration in right ventricle functions, which is apparent in diastolic function of the right ventricle with no adverse effect on systolic function. Moreover, impairment in diastolic function is more prominent with right ventricle involvement. Successful thrombolytic therapy not only improves left ventricle functions but also diastolic function of the right ventricle.
Copyright © 2025 Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology