Right ventricular systolic sub-periods. Normal values

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Physiology

Background:

• Understanding right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions.
• Systolic time intervals provide valuable insights into cardiac mechanics and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize the systolic sub-periods of the right ventricle in healthy subjects.
• To compare RV systolic periods with those of the left ventricle (LV).
• To correlate RV systolic timing with hemodynamic parameters.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous electrocardiography, phonocardiography, and pulmonary artery pressure tracings were used.
• Systolic time intervals, including pre-ejection period and ejection period, were measured.
• Data from 18 healthy individuals were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Mean values for RV systolic sub-periods were established (e.g., ejection period = 0.319 sec).
• RV systolic and ejection periods were significantly longer compared to LV.
• RV pre-ejection to ejection period ratio was lower than LV.
• RV systolic and ejection periods showed a negative correlation with heart rate.
• RV isovolumetric contraction time to ejection period ratio correlated with pulmonary artery pressure and resistance.

Conclusions:

• The study provides normative data for RV systolic time intervals in healthy adults.
• Significant differences exist between RV and LV systolic timing.
• RV systolic timing is influenced by heart rate and pulmonary hemodynamics, highlighting its distinct functional characteristics.