Background: Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is an under-recognized determinant of outcomes in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). While left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains the standard prognostic marker, accumulating evidence highlights the independent clinical significance of right ventricular (RV) impairment. This study evaluated RV function across anterior wall MI (AWMI), inferior wall MI (IWMI), and inferior wall MI with RV involvement (IWMI+RVMI) using echocardiographic indices, and correlated these with in-hospital outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 120 consecutive patients with first-episode STEMI admitted to the Department of Cardiology, S.C.B. Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, between October 2022 and September 2023. Echocardiographic assessment within 48 hours included tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), myocardial performance index (MPI), and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S′). Patients were followed for 7 days for complications including arrhythmias, heart failure (HF), cardiogenic shock, and conduction disturbances. Results: Of 120 patients, 62 had AWMI (51.7%), 38 had IWMI (31.7%), and 20 had IWMI+RVMI (16.6%). Mean age was 59.6 ± 11.8 years, with male predominance (71.7%). At least one abnormal RV parameter was observed in 55% of AWMI, 50% of IWMI, and all (100%) IWMI+RVMI cases. Multiparametric dysfunction (all four indices abnormal) was most frequent in IWMI+RVMI (30%). TAPSE (mm) progressively declined from AWMI (20.9) to IWMI (18.9) to IWMI+RVMI (15.8) (p<0.001). FAC (%) followed a similar trend (40.1, 34.8, 24.5; p<0.001). LVEF was lowest in AWMI (41.3%) compared to IWMI (55.2%) and IWMI+RVMI (53.6%) (p<0.001). In-hospital complications included HF (10%), arrhythmias (8%), cardiogenic shock (4%), and mechanical complications (2%). Patients with abnormal RV indices had significantly higher complication rates (p<0.05). Conclusion: RV dysfunction is frequent in STEMI, extending beyond classical RV infarction. TAPSE and FAC were the most sensitive parameters for detecting RV impairment, while AWMI patients demonstrated predominant LV dysfunction. Abnormal RV indices strongly correlated with adverse in-hospital outcomes, underscoring the need for routine RV functional assessment in STEMI management protocols.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite advances in reperfusion therapy, pharmacological treatment, and preventive cardiology [1].
According to the World Health Organization, ischemic heart disease accounts for more than nine million deaths annually, with AMI contributing substantially to this global burden [2].
Although hospital survival rates have improved with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and guideline-directed medical therapy, long-term sequelae such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and recurrent ischemic events persist in a large proportion of survivors [3].
Consequently, detailed evaluation of both ventricles following AMI has become crucial for risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making [4].
Historically, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been emphasized as the principal determinant of prognosis in AMI, primarily because LV ejection fraction (LVEF) strongly correlates with outcomes and guides therapy [5].
However, over the past three decades, there has been growing recognition that right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RVD) also exerts profound influence on morbidity and mortality [6].
The RV was once considered a passive chamber with little clinical significance, but accumulating evidence has revealed its critical role in maintaining hemodynamic stability [7].
When the RV fails, consequences include systemic hypotension, reduced LV filling, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock — all of which dramatically worsen prognosis [8].
Anatomy and physiology of the right ventricle
The RV differs from the LV in its crescentic geometry, thinner free wall, and greater compliance, features that make it better suited for handling volume loads rather than pressure loads [9].
Its function is tightly coupled to pulmonary vascular resistance; even modest increases in afterload can severely compromise RV performance [10].
Because the RV depends on the interventricular septum for contractile efficiency, ischemic injury to the septum can impair both ventricles simultaneously, illustrating the principle of ventricular interdependence [11].
This anatomical and physiological distinctiveness explains why RV involvement in AMI carries unique clinical and prognostic implications [12].
Right ventricular involvement in AMI
Inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI), usually caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA), is the most common setting for RV infarction [13].
Between 30–50% of IWMI patients demonstrate RV involvement, either clinically or on imaging [14].
Classic features include hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, and clear lung fields — the so-called “Kussmaul triad” [15].
These signs reflect impaired RV filling and reduced LV preload, leading to systemic hypoperfusion [16].
Furthermore, conduction disturbances, atrioventricular block, and ventricular arrhythmias are frequent in RV infarction, compounding hemodynamic instability [17].
It was traditionally believed that RVD was restricted to IWMI, but subsequent studies have challenged this notion [18].
Autopsy findings and tissue Doppler echocardiography have demonstrated RV impairment even in anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI), attributed to septal ischemia and contributions from the left anterior descending (LAD) artery to the RV anterior wall [19].
Thus, both AWMI and IWMI may precipitate clinically significant RVD, albeit through different pathophysiological mechanisms [20].
Prognostic impact of RV dysfunction
Multiple investigations confirm that RVD is an independent predictor of mortality in AMI [3,4].
Zehender et al. first demonstrated that RV infarction in the context of IWMI markedly increased in-hospital mortality, regardless of LV function [5].
Later, Zornoff et al. reported that impaired RV function predicted long-term development of heart failure and death even after adjustment for LVEF [6].
The pathophysiological basis includes reduced LV preload, systemic hypotension, diminished coronary perfusion, and heightened sympathetic drive, all contributing to poor outcomes [7].
In addition to mortality, RVD is associated with higher rates of complete heart block, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and mechanical complications [8].
Patients with RV involvement also experience longer hospital stays, increased need for inotropic support, and worse quality of life during follow-up [9].
Taken together, these observations underscore the need for routine assessment of RV function in all STEMI patients [10].
Echocardiographic evaluation of RV function
Echocardiography is the most practical and widely available tool for bedside assessment of RV function [11].
However, evaluating the RV is technically challenging due to its complex crescentic geometry, prominent trabeculations, and retrosternal location [12].
Unlike the LV, which can be assessed reliably by volumetric indices, the RV requires multiple complementary parameters for accurate evaluation [13].
Commonly used echocardiographic indices include:
These indices are recommended in consensus guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography for comprehensive RV assessment [18].
Newer modalities such as three-dimensional echocardiography and RV strain imaging offer promising incremental value but are less accessible in routine clinical practice [19].
Gaps in Indian literature and rationale for present study
Most data on RV dysfunction after AMI originate from Western cohorts, with limited large-scale Indian studies [20]. Given regional differences in risk factors, coronary artery disease profiles, and healthcare delivery systems, extrapolating foreign data may be problematic [1]. Indian patients often present late, with higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, factors that could influence the burden of RVD [2]. Moreover, awareness of RV involvement remains suboptimal, and many clinicians still focus predominantly on LV function [3]. Therefore, systematic echocardiographic evaluation of RV function in Indian STEMI populations is warranted to generate context-specific data [4]. The present study was designed as a prospective observational investigation to address this gap. Its primary objectives were: (1) to evaluate the prevalence and severity of RVD in AWMI, IWMI, and IWMI with RV involvement (IWMI+RVMI) using established echocardiographic parameters; (2) to correlate these findings with baseline risk factors and demographics; and (3) to assess their association with in-hospital outcomes such as arrhythmias, heart failure, complete heart block, and cardiogenic shock [5–7]. By doing so, the study aimed to enhance understanding of the prognostic role of RV function in STEMI within the Indian context and contribute evidence to guide clinical practice [8–10].
Study Design
This was a prospective, observational, hospital-based study carried out in the Department of Cardiology, S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, over a period of 12 months (October 2022 – September 2023). The design was chosen to capture real-world presentations of acute STEMI and assess right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography in a non-interventional manner.
Study Population
The study population comprised consecutive patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 24 hours of symptom onset. STEMI was diagnosed using the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction criteria:
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Sample Size
A total of 120 patients fulfilling the criteria were enrolled. They were categorized into three groups based on ECG findings:
Data Collection
On admission, detailed clinical history and examination were performed, including cardiovascular risk factors:
Echocardiographic Protocol
All patients underwent echocardiography using a Philips CX50 cardiovascular ultrasound system with a 2.5–3.5 MHz transducer within 48 hours of admission. Measurements were taken in accordance with the 2015 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines.
Parameters Assessed
Additional Findings
Outcome Measures
Patients were followed during their 7-day hospital stay for:
Statistical Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Baseline Characteristics
A total of 120 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were prospectively included. The cohort was subdivided into three groups: anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) in 62 patients (51.7%), inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) in 38 patients (31.7%), and inferior wall myocardial infarction with right ventricular involvement (IWMI+RVMI) in 20 patients (16.6%). This distribution reflects the natural epidemiology of STEMI, where anterior infarctions tend to be more common, although inferior wall events, particularly those with right ventricular extension, carry unique clinical implications [1,2].
Table 1. Baseline Demographic and Risk Factor Profile of Patients (n = 120)
|
Variable |
AWMI (n=62) |
IWMI (n=38) |
IWMI+RVMI (n=20) |
Total (n=120) |
|
Age (years, mean ± SD) |
58.7 ± 12.3 |
61.2 ± 10.9 |
57.4 ± 13.1 |
59.6 ± 11.8 |
|
Male sex (%) |
43 (69.3%) |
29 (76.3%) |
16 (80.0%) |
86 (71.7%) |
|
Female sex (%) |
19 (30.7%) |
9 (23.7%) |
4 (20.0%) |
34 (28.3%) |
|
Hypertension (%) |
31 (50.0%) |
17 (45.0%) |
11 (55.0%) |
59 (48.0%) |
|
Diabetes mellitus (%) |
20 (32.0%) |
14 (36.8%) |
8 (40.0%) |
41 (34.0%) |
|
Smoking (%) |
16 (25.8%) |
12 (31.6%) |
6 (30.0%) |
34 (28.0%) |
|
Dyslipidemia (%) |
18 (29.0%) |
13 (34.2%) |
8 (40.0%) |
39 (32.0%) |
Table 2. Echocardiographic Parameters Across STEMI Groups
|
Parameter |
AWMI (n=62) |
IWMI (n=38) |
IWMI+RVMI (n=20) |
p-value |
|
TAPSE (mm) |
20.9 ± 3.9 |
18.9 ± 4.1 |
15.8 ± 4.5 |
<0.001 |
|
FAC (%) |
40.1 ± 11.7 |
34.8 ± 9.5 |
24.5 ± 8.3 |
<0.001 |
|
MPI (Tei index) |
0.72 ± 0.31 |
0.70 ± 0.29 |
0.73 ± 0.34 |
0.93 |
|
S′ (cm/s) |
12.3 ± 2.5 |
11.1 ± 2.9 |
9.7 ± 2.1 |
0.04 |
|
LVEF (%) |
41.3 ± 9.8 |
55.2 ± 7.4 |
53.6 ± 8.5 |
<0.001 |
Table 3. Distribution of Abnormal RV Dysfunction Parameters
|
No. of Abnormal RV Parameters |
AWMI (n=62) |
IWMI (n=38) |
IWMI+RVMI (n=20) |
Total (n=120) |
|
0 |
28 (45.0%) |
19 (50.0%) |
0 (0%) |
47 (39.2%) |
|
≥1 |
34 (55.0%) |
19 (50.0%) |
20 (100%) |
73 (60.8%) |
|
All 4 |
0 (0%) |
5 (13.0%) |
6 (30.0%) |
11 (9.2%) |
Table 4. In-Hospital Complications Across Groups
|
Complication |
AWMI (n=62) |
IWMI (n=38) |
IWMI+RVMI (n=20) |
Total (n=120) |
|
Heart failure (%) |
7 (11.3%) |
0 (0%) |
2 (6.7%) |
12 (10.0%) |
|
Arrhythmias (%) |
4 (6.5%) |
3 (7.9%) |
3 (15.0%) |
10 (8.3%) |
|
- Atrial fibrillation |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
- Ventricular tachycardia |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
- Complete heart block |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
Cardiogenic shock (%) |
3 (4.8%) |
0 (0%) |
1 (5.0%) |
4 (3.3%) |
|
Mechanical complications (%) |
1 (1.6%) |
0 (0%) |
1 (5.0%) |
2 (1.7%) |
Table 5. Summary of Key Findings
|
Key Parameter/Outcome |
AWMI |
IWMI |
IWMI+RVMI |
Interpretation |
|
Dominant Dysfunction |
LV |
Mild RV |
Severe RV |
Different mechanisms per infarct site |
|
TAPSE & FAC |
Mild ↓ |
Moderate ↓ |
Severe ↓ |
Best markers of RV dysfunction |
|
MPI |
Abnormal in majority across all groups |
Not discriminatory |
Indicates global dysfunction |
|
|
LVEF |
Lowest (41%) |
Preserved (55%) |
Preserved (53%) |
LV vs RV involvement differs |
|
Complications |
HF + Shock |
Arrhythmias |
CHB + MR |
Reflects site-specific pathophysiology |
The mean age of the total cohort was 59.6 ± 11.8 years, with a range spanning from 32 to 86 years. This demonstrates that STEMI in the Indian population remains predominantly a disease of middle-aged and elderly individuals, consistent with earlier Indian and international registries [3,4]. On subgroup analysis, AWMI patients had a mean age of 58.7 ± 12.3 years, IWMI patients 61.2 ± 10.9 years, and IWMI+RVMI patients 57.4 ± 13.1 years. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.32), suggesting that infarction subtype is not strongly age-dependent.
A male predominance was observed, with 86 (71.7%) male patients and 34 (28.3%) female patients, yielding a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. Within subgroups, AWMI included 69.3% males, IWMI 76.3%, and IWMI+RVMI 80%. This aligns with the well-established gender disparity in coronary artery disease (CAD), where men manifest disease earlier and more frequently than women, likely due to hormonal protection in premenopausal women and differences in risk factor exposure [5].
Risk Factors
The risk factor profile of the study cohort reflects the epidemiological transition in India toward lifestyle-related cardiovascular disease:
This constellation of risk factors highlights the synergistic interplay of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia in precipitating STEMI, regardless of location. It also emphasizes the need for aggressive primary prevention strategies [8].
Echocardiographic Findings
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE)
TAPSE values were highest in AWMI (20.9 ± 3.9 mm), moderately reduced in IWMI (18.9 ± 4.1 mm), and lowest in IWMI+RVMI (15.8 ± 4.5 mm). The intergroup difference was statistically significant (p <0.001).
This finding demonstrates that RV systolic function is maximally compromised in IWMI with RV involvement, as expected due to direct ischemic injury to the RV free wall [9]. Importantly, however, IWMI patients without classical RV infarction also showed reduced TAPSE compared to AWMI patients, suggesting subclinical RV impairment from interventricular dependence or RCA territory ischemia [10].
Right Ventricular Fractional Area Change (FAC)
FAC values followed a similar gradient: AWMI 40.1 ± 11.7%, IWMI 34.8 ± 9.5%, and IWMI+RVMI 24.5 ± 8.3%. The differences were highly significant (p <0.001).
Since FAC reflects global RV systolic performance by accounting for area change between diastole and systole, its marked reduction in IWMI+RVMI underlines the global nature of RV dysfunction when ischemia extends beyond the LV inferior wall [11].
Right Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index (MPI)
MPI was comparable across groups (AWMI 0.72 ± 0.31, IWMI 0.70 ± 0.29, IWMI+RVMI 0.73 ± 0.34; p = 0.93). Despite the absence of significant differences, MPI values >0.54 were present in the majority of patients in all three groups. This indicates that RV global performance is impaired not only in overt RV infarction but also in anterior and isolated inferior infarcts [12].
Tricuspid Annular Systolic Velocity (S′)
S′ values were highest in AWMI (12.3 ± 2.5 cm/s), lower in IWMI (11.1 ± 2.9 cm/s), and lowest in IWMI+RVMI (9.7 ± 2.1 cm/s), with statistical significance between IWMI and IWMI+RVMI (p = 0.04). This supports the superiority of TDI-derived indices in detecting subtle RV dysfunction compared to geometric measures [13].
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)
LVEF was markedly reduced in AWMI (41.3 ± 9.8%) compared to IWMI (55.2 ± 7.4%) and IWMI+RVMI (53.6 ± 8.5%) (p <0.001). This finding is consistent with the larger myocardial territory supplied by the LAD in AWMI, leading to more severe LV dysfunction [14]. In contrast, RV involvement significantly impaired RV indices but did not depress LVEF to the same extent.
Distribution of RV Dysfunction Parameters
When patients were categorized by the number of abnormal RV parameters (TAPSE, FAC, MPI, S′):
The distribution difference was statistically significant (p <0.001). This gradient underscores the concept that while RV dysfunction can occur in AWMI and IWMI, severe and multi-parametric dysfunction is predominantly confined to RV-infarct extension [15].
In-Hospital Complications
During the 7-day hospital stay, a spectrum of complications was documented:
Patients with abnormal RV indices had a significantly higher incidence of complications compared to those with preserved RV function (p <0.05). This provides strong evidence that RV dysfunction is not merely an echocardiographic observation but translates into adverse clinical outcomes [20].
Discussion (Expanded)
Overview
This prospective observational study evaluated right ventricular (RV) function using echocardiographic parameters in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to the Department of Cardiology, S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Among 120 patients studied, 62 (51.7%) had anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI), 38 (31.7%) had inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI), and 20 (16.6%) had inferior wall infarction with right ventricular involvement (IWMI+RVMI).
Our study demonstrated that RV dysfunction is not confined to classical RV infarction but can also be observed in AWMI and IWMI. TAPSE and FAC were the most sensitive parameters for detecting RV dysfunction, while MPI was abnormal in a majority across all groups. LVEF was significantly lower in AWMI patients, whereas RV indices were most severely impaired in IWMI+RVMI. Importantly, patients with abnormal RV function had higher rates of complications including heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock.
These findings reinforce the need for comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of both ventricles in STEMI, not just the LV.
Comparison with Previous Studies
Right Ventricular Dysfunction in STEMI
Our results corroborate earlier studies showing that RV dysfunction is an important determinant of prognosis in STEMI. Zehender et al. (1993) [1] demonstrated that RV infarction significantly increases mortality and morbidity in IWMI. Similarly, Zornoff et al. (2002) [2] reported that RV dysfunction after AMI predicts heart failure and mortality independent of LVEF.
In the present study, all patients with IWMI+RVMI (100%) demonstrated at least one abnormal RV parameter, and 30% had abnormalities across all four indices. In contrast, AWMI patients had 55% with ≥1 abnormal parameter but none with all four abnormal. This gradient aligns with Gupta et al. (2022) [3], who found more severe RV impairment in IWMI+RVMI compared to AWMI, although their data suggested AWMI patients exhibited surprisingly higher rates of multiparametric dysfunction. The difference may reflect population heterogeneity, infarct size, or time to echocardiographic evaluation.
TAPSE and FAC as Sensitive Markers
TAPSE and FAC emerged as the most sensitive indices of RV dysfunction in our cohort. IWMI+RVMI patients had significantly lower TAPSE (15.8 mm) and FAC (24.5%) compared to IWMI (18.9 mm, 34.8%) and AWMI (20.9 mm, 40.1%). Similar observations have been reported by Adilakshmi et al. (2016) [4] and Alam et al. (2000) [5], who demonstrated reduced TAPSE and FAC in both anterior and inferior MI compared with controls.
FAC has been highlighted by Antoni et al. (2010) [6] as a strong predictor of hospitalization and mortality after AMI. Our study supports this view, as patients with reduced FAC had higher complication rates.
MPI and Tissue Doppler Parameters
Although MPI did not differ significantly between groups in our study, abnormal values (>0.54) were present in a majority of patients across all subgroups. Møller et al. (2001) [7] reported similar findings, with abnormal MPI in nearly 80% of MI patients. Gupta et al. (2022) [3] also demonstrated MPI abnormalities in AWMI and IWMI+RVMI, though their IWMI group showed relatively preserved MPI compared to ours.
S′ velocity was significantly reduced in IWMI+RVMI, aligning with findings by Ozdemir et al. (2003) [8], who suggested TDI-based S′ is a sensitive marker of RV ischemia and proximal RCA occlusion.
Left Ventricular Function and its Relationship with RV Dysfunction
Our study found LVEF to be lowest in AWMI (41.3%) compared to IWMI (55.2%) and IWMI+RVMI (53.6%). This is consistent with the larger myocardial territory supplied by the LAD artery in anterior infarctions, leading to more severe LV systolic dysfunction [9]. Interestingly, while AWMI patients exhibited profound LV dysfunction, their RV indices were relatively preserved compared to IWMI+RVMI. This reinforces the idea that LV and RV dysfunction are not mutually exclusive but follow distinct anatomical and pathophysiological mechanisms.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Prognostic Value of RV Dysfunction
The study highlights that RV dysfunction significantly correlates with in-hospital complications. Patients with abnormal RV indices had higher incidence of:
Thus, echocardiographic assessment of RV function provides incremental prognostic information beyond LV function alone.
Implications for Management
Recognition of RV dysfunction in STEMI has direct therapeutic implications:
Pathophysiological Insights
Our study reaffirms the concept of ventricular interdependence, wherein LV dysfunction can impair RV function and vice versa [13]. In AWMI, extensive septal involvement compromises both LV contractility and RV systolic mechanics. In IWMI+RVMI, direct ischemic injury to the RV free wall causes more profound dysfunction. These observations underscore the importance of integrated biventricular assessment in STEMI.
Strengths of the Study
Limitations
Future Directions
Future research should:
This study demonstrates that RV dysfunction is common in all types of STEMI, though most severe in IWMI+RVMI, and is significantly associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes. TAPSE and FAC are the most sensitive parameters for identifying RV impairment, while MPI abnormalities are widespread across subgroups. Importantly, the presence of abnormal RV indices correlates with heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock, underscoring the prognostic significance of RV assessment.
Echocardiographic evaluation of RV function should therefore be an integral component of STEMI management protocols, complementing LV assessment and guiding tailored therapy for improved patient outcomes