2-Dimensional Strain Analysis of Regional Change in Right Ventricular Function after Treadmill Exercise
Se-Jung Yoon1, Hye-Sun Seo2, Sujung Park2
1Division of Cardiology, Ilsan Hospital, National Health Insurance Service, Goyang, Korea.
Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|April 16, 2016
Summary
Two-dimensional (2D) strain echocardiography precisely quantifies regional right ventricular (RV) function. This analysis reveals distinct RV regional patterns following treadmill exercise, offering new insights into RV performance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Physiology
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for prognosis in various cardiovascular diseases.
- Regional RV function assessment using 2D strain echocardiography before and after exercise remains underexplored.
- Understanding exercise-induced changes in RV function is vital for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in regional RV function immediately after a treadmill exercise test.
- To assess the utility of 2D strain echocardiography in characterizing post-exercise RV performance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 38 patients (mean age 54.9 years) undergoing treadmill exercise and echocardiography.
- Pre- and post-exercise 2D strain echocardiography was performed.
- Regional RV function was analyzed offline in the free wall and septum.
Main Results:
- Treadmill exercise duration averaged 737 ± 132 seconds.
- Significant increase in lateral tricuspid annular tissue velocity post-exercise (10.5 to 12.2 cm/sec, p=0.006).
- Significant changes observed in RV free wall systolic strain at the apex and mid-portion post-exercise (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- 2D strain imaging is a precise method for quantifying regional RV function.
- Treadmill exercise induces a characteristic regional pattern of RV function changes.
- This technique enhances the understanding of RV response to physiological stress.
