Case 2:

63-year old woman presented with central chest pain of two hours duration. On examination her blood pressure was 90/60 mm Hg, she had a weak pulse, distended neck veins with elevated jugular venous pressure, normal first and second heart sounds and lung fields were clear on auscultation.

Ragavendra R. Baliga, M.D
Assistant Professor
Division of Cardiology
University Of Michigan

 

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Question 13 of 17:

When left ventricular dysfunction accompanies right ventricular ischemia, the right ventricular function is further compromised.

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When left ventricular dysfunction accompanies right ventricular ischemia, the right ventricle is further compromised because of increased right ventricular afterload and a reduction in stroke volume (1). In such situation, after-load reducing agents such as sodium nitroprusside or intra aortic balloon counterpulsation may be needed to Ôunload' the left and subsequently the right ventricle.

Reference:

1. Fantidis P, Castejon R, Fernandez Ruiz A, Madero-Jarabo R, Cordovilla G, Sanz Galeote E. Does a critical hemodynamic situation develop from right ventriculotomy and free wall infarct or from small changes in dysfunctional right ventricular afterload? J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1992;33:229-234.

 
 
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