Determinants of Right Ventricular Remodeling Following ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Right ventricular (RV) function after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has important prognostic implications. However, the changes in RV function over time after STEMI and the incidence of RV remodeling remain unknown. The present study evaluated changes in RV dimensions and function in contemporary patients with first STEMI and assessed the independent determinants of RV dysfunction at follow-up. Patients with first STEMI (n = 940, 60 ± 11 years, 77% men) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-up. The prevalence of RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE] ≤15 mm) decreased significantly at 6 months follow-up (from 15% to 8%, p