Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
Objectives
To be able to explain the pathophysiology behind right
bundle branch block and define its causes
To be able to distinguish the ECG changes present in RVH
and apply these specific criteria to example ECGs
To apply the skills covered to complete the RVH quiz
Click to CompleteObjectives
Definition
Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) occurs when the right ventricular wall thickens due to chronic pressure overload, similar to that of left ventricular hypertrophy
Causes of RVH
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Mitral stenosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Chronic lung disease (cor pulmonale)
- Congenital heart disease (e.g. Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary stenosis)
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Objectives
Diagnostic Criteria
- Right axis deviation of +110° or more
- Dominant R wave in V1 (> 7mm tall or R/S ratio > 1)
- Dominant S wave in V5 or V6 (> 7mm deep or R/S ratio < 1)
- QRS duration < 120ms (i.e. changes not due to RBBB)
