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Abstract

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, contributing significantly to cardiovascular-related deaths. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction frequently complicates IHD, especially in the presence of left ventricular (LV) failure or infarction. RV impairment is associated with poorer prognoses, including higher rates of heart failure, arrhythmias, and mortality. Echocardiography, being non-invasive, affordable, and widely available, remains the first-line modality for assessing cardiac function, including RV performance in IHD patients.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction among patients with ischemic heart disease diagnosed on echocardiography in Rahim Yar Khan.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Sheikh Zaid Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, over a three-month period from February to April 2025. A total of 110 patients, aged 32 to 75 years, with confirmed ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction were enrolled through non-probability sampling. Patients with congenital cardiac abnormalities, myocarditis, or peripartum cardiomyopathy were excluded. Echocardiographic assessment was performed using a GE Vivid S6 machine with a 3–5 MHz sector probe, evaluating parameters including Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and RV systolic tissue Doppler imaging (RVSTDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Of the 110 patients (62 males, 48 females), RV dysfunction was identified in 48 individuals (43.6%), while 62 (56.4%) had preserved RV function. The mean ejection fraction was 36.3% ± 7.1, with a mean TAPSE of 13.65 mm ± 5.85. TAPSE was significantly lower in patients with RV dysfunction (mean 8.29 mm ± 3.57) compared to those without (mean 17.81 mm ± 3.33), p < 0.001.
Conclusion: RV dysfunction was prevalent in patients with ischemic heart disease, particularly among those with more severe LV impairment. Early detection through echocardiography is vital for improving clinical outcomes.