Right heart remodeling induced by arterial hypertension: Could strain assessment be helpful?

Abstract

Left ventricular structural and functional changes in patients with arterial hypertension are well established. However, the influence of arterial hypertension on right ventricular (RV) remodeling is still being investigated. The introduction of strain analysis provided an insight into RV function and mechanics. Previous research has demonstrated the predictive value of RV longitudinal strain in patients with various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart diseases, and valvular disease. Nowadays, we are aware of the fact that conventional echocardiographic methods usually do not provide necessary information about RV dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension, which is why the evaluation of new parameters that could detect RV subtle changes in hypertension is essential. The present review article is an overview of the main principles of RV deformation and a summary of the current knowledge and clinical significance of RV strain in patients with arterial hypertension.