Right Ventricular Failure PDF

Right Ventricular Failure *Refers to primary dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV)* [Etiologies and Pathophysiology ] Right Ventricular Myocardial Ischemia or Infarct Left Ventricular Failure Increased left ventricular and atrial pressures are reflected back into pulmonary circulation Leads...

Right Ventricular Failure *Refers to primary dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV)* [Etiologies and Pathophysiology ] Right Ventricular Myocardial Ischemia or Infarct Left Ventricular Failure Increased left ventricular and atrial pressures are reflected back into pulmonary circulation Leads to increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary artery pressures RV hypertrophy leads to RV dysfunction (see patho of LVF due to HTN) Heart Pathway.jpg Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)/Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) PPH is caused by vasoconstriction due to endothelial dysregulation and/or fibrosis of the pulmonary arteries. Causes/etiologies are unknown. Hypertrophy of smooth muscle in vessel walls causes increased PVR, which leads to RV hypertrophy Pulmonary Vasculature Obstruction Causes include pulmonary thromboembolism or thrombi Usually a cause of acute RVF because the massive increase in RV afterload causes RV dilation and 'failure' Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension due to Chronic Pulmonary Disease Common cause of death in patients with chronic or severe acute respiratory disease  [Clinical Consequences] Elevated central venous pressure, jugular venous distention Heart Pathway.jpg Dependent pitting edema with weight gain Hepatosplenomegaly Consequences of decreased CO from LV