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The right ventricle in pulmonary disease
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Cardiology Clinics
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Pulmonary artery hypertension strains the right ventricle, leading to enlargement and cor pulmonale. When the heart cannot adapt, right ventricular failure results from this increased workload.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Physiology
Background:
- Abnormal pulmonary function can cause pulmonary artery hypertension.
- Pulmonary artery hypertension increases the workload on the right ventricle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss pulmonary diseases associated with right ventricular overload.
- To explain the physiologic responses of the right ventricle to increased afterload.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of conditions causing pulmonary artery hypertension.
- Physiologic analysis of right ventricular response to afterload.
Main Results:
- Increased right ventricular work is a consequence of pulmonary artery hypertension.
- Right ventricular enlargement and cor pulmonale are compensatory mechanisms.
- Right ventricular failure occurs when compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the link between pulmonary diseases and right ventricular dysfunction is crucial.
- The right ventricle's response to increased afterload is a key factor in disease progression.