Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Right Ventricular Infarction in Patients with Acute Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: Coronary artery disease remains a prominent global cause of illness and mortality. A significant proportion of individuals experiencing acute inferior myocardial infarction (IWMI) develop right ventricular infarction (RVI), contributing substantially to clinical and hemodynamic instability. This study aims to assess the prevalence of RV infarction in patients presenting with IWMI.

Methodology: Consecutive IWMI patients visiting the Department of Cardiology at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases between February 2021 and August 2021, of any gender and aged between 18 and 80 years, were recruited. Patients underwent a comprehensive assessment, including history, clinical examination, routine investigations, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Right ventricular infarction was evaluated based on a right-sided ECG.

Results: A total of 155 patients were included, with a mean age of 56.2±12.4 years; 40 (25.8%) were between 18 to 50 years old. In terms of gender distribution, 105 (67.7%) were male. Comorbid conditions included hypertension in 88 (56.8%) patients, diabetes mellitus in 58 (37.4%), 64 (41.3%) smokers, and 26 (16.8%) with a positive family history. RVI was observed in 41 (26.5%) patients. Notably, the prevalence of RVI differed significantly between diabetic and non-diabetic patients (13.8% vs. 34%, p=0.006) and between those with positive and negative family histories (7.7% vs. 30.2%, p=0.017), respectively. No significant impact of other parameters on RVI was observed.

Conclusion: Right ventricular infarction was prevalent in more than a quarter of patients with IWMI. It exhibited a negative association with the presence of diabetes and a positive family history.