Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
09:40
Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice
Published on: May 13, 2019
Right ventricular performance in chronic congestive heart failure.
Gabriel T Sayer1, Marc J Semigran
1Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, GRB-800, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Cardiology Clinics
|May 3, 2012
Summary
Right ventricular failure arises from increased afterload, leading to dysfunction. Management focuses on preload, afterload, and contractility, with limited targeted therapies available.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) function is intrinsically linked to the pulmonary circulation.
- The RV tolerates preload variations but is vulnerable to afterload increases.
- RV dysfunction can precipitate a cycle of oxygen supply-demand imbalance, culminating in RV failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key aspects of right ventricular physiology.
- To discuss the pathophysiology and assessment of right ventricular failure.
- To outline current and emerging management strategies for RV failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of right ventricular physiology and failure.
- Analysis of non-invasive imaging techniques for RV assessment.
- Synthesis of current treatment paradigms and novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Right ventricular sensitivity to afterload is a critical determinant of RV function.
- Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are essential for evaluating RV function.
- Optimization of preload, afterload, and contractility forms the cornerstone of RV failure management.
Conclusions:
- Understanding RV physiology is crucial for managing RV failure.
- Current management strategies are primarily supportive, focusing on hemodynamic optimization.
- Further research into targeted therapies is needed to improve outcomes for patients with RV failure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...