Assessment of right ventricular systolic function in heart failure with preserved, reduced and mid-range ejection fraction

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the right ventricle systolic function in different categories of heart failure despite its effect on outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Single-centre, cross-sectional study included 150 patients, 50 patients in each category of HF: group I, preserved; group II, mid-range; group III, reduced ejection fraction. Left ventricular systolic function was assessed by 3D echo, and right ventricular systolic function was assessed by fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tissue Doppler image (TDI), and global longitudinal strain (GLS). There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding sex, the prevalence of risk factors, but patients in group III were significantly older (p < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (p = 0.004) than were found in the other two groups. In group I, the prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction was 18%, 22%, 14% and 26% by TAPSE, FAC, S wave velocity, and GLS, respectively. Their prevalence was higher in group II and much higher in group III than in group I. There were significant positive correlations among TAPSE, S wave velocity, GLS, and ejection fraction in groups II and III (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence and severity of RV systolic dysfunction were positively correlated with LV systolic dysfunction, and the degree of RV dysfunction in mid-range was closer to reduce than preserved ejection fraction. STUDY REGISTRATION AT CLINICAL TRIAL.GOV: NCT03641599.