Right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease: gender-related differences

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is one of the most significant independent predictors of prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with and without myocardial infarction (MI). However, gender-related differences in RV function of CAD patients are still poorly understood. Aim. To elucidate gender-related differences in echocardiographic parameters of the right chambers of the heart in CAD patients. Material and Methods. 719 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing medical examination in the Federal Budgetary Institution Rehabilitation Center «Topaz» of the RF Social Insurance Fund were included in the study. All patients were assigned to two groups according to the gender: Group 1 - men (n = 432, 61 [55; 67] years), Group 2 - women (n = 287, 62 [56; 67] years). Results. The analysis of the structure and systolic function of the RV showed that RV and right atrium (RA) end-diastolic dimension, diastolic RV wall thickness, and RA area were significantly higher in men than in women (p <0.001). Thus, the prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction (SD) was similar in both groups of patients: 17.6% in men and 15% in women (p = 0.356). The independent predictors of LV SD in both groups were as follows: prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), decreased early mitral flow propagation velocity (p > 0.05). However, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; p <0.001) was found only in men. Conclusion. The prevalence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease was similar in both men and women. Men demonstrated lower values of systolic and diastolic LV function. The factors associated with RV systolic dysfunction in both groups were as follows: prior CABG and diastolic LV dysfunction. Reduced LVEF was found only in men. The results of this study can be used to assess gender-related differences in RV dysfunction in CAD patients.