Pulmonary circulation
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Pulmonary circulation · Sep 2014
ReviewBiomechanics of the right ventricle in health and disease (2013 Grover Conference series).
Right ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of the symptomatology and outcome in pulmonary hypertension. The normal RV is a thin-walled flow generator able to accommodate large changes in venous return but unable to maintain flow output in the presence of a brisk increase in pulmonary artery pressure. The RV chronically exposed to pulmonary hypertension undergoes hypertrophic changes and an increase in contractility, allowing for preserved flow output in response to peripheral demand. ⋯ The molecular mechanisms of RV systolic failure are currently being investigated. It is important to refer biological findings to sound measurements of function. Surrogates for E max and E a are being developed through bedside imaging techniques.