Right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) occurs in 30% to 50% of patients experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the inferior wall.1–3 Occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) proximal to the marginal branch is most frequently the culprit lesion.1,4–6 The main complications associated with RVMI include ventricular arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, and atrioventricular blocks (second-degree type II and complete atrioventricular blocks).6–8 These complications are specific to RVMI and independent of left ventricular dysfunction.2,7 In-hospital mortality and morbidity rates are 3 times higher in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) associated with RVMI than in those with IWMI alone,1,7,9 although the presence of an RVMI does not affect long-term mortality rates.9,10 Early identification of an RVMI on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) enables clinicians to monitor and provide early intervention in...
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Winter 2019
ECG Challenges|
December 15 2019
ECG Identification of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction
Cynthia Webner, DNP, RN, CCNS, ACNPC-AG, CCRN-CMC, CHFN
Cynthia Webner, DNP, RN, CCNS, ACNPC-AG, CCRN-CMC, CHFN
Cynthia Webner is Adjunct Faculty, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Malone University, Canton, Ohio; and Partner, Key Choice/Cardiovascular Nursing Education Associates, 4998 Searls Dr NW, North Canton, OH 44720 ([email protected]).
Search for other works by this author on:
AACN Adv Crit Care (2019) 30 (4): 425–431.
Citation
Cynthia Webner; ECG Identification of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction. AACN Adv Crit Care 15 December 2019; 30 (4): 425–431. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2019619
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Short-term Access
Purchase short-term access on a pay-per-article or pay-per-issue basis.
$15 72 - hour single article access $30 7 - day full issue access