Right heart strain, in cardiac ultrasound, indicates acute or chronic stress on the right ventricle, often due to increased afterload from conditions like pulmonary embolism or severe lung disease. This strain is visualized on echocardiography through signs such as right ventricular enlargement, paradoxical septal motion, and tricuspid regurgitation, signifying the heart’s struggle to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation.
Early detection of right heart strain via medical ultrasound is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management, particularly in emergency and critical care settings. Sonographers utilize specific views and measurements to assess RV function and morphology, helping clinicians identify the underlying cause and intervene to prevent right heart failure.
