Right Ventricular Infarction in Patients with Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction and its Association with Various Risk Factors

Background: Right ventricular infarction (RVI) is a significant complication of inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI), associated with increased mortality, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular arrhythmias. Despite its clinical importance, the detection and management of RVI remain challenging, underscoring the need for further investigation into its prevalence and associated risk factors. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of RVI among patients with IWMI and to identify the major risk factors contributing to the development of RVI, thereby providing insights into more effective management strategies. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at a military hospital over a period of one year, involving 114 patients diagnosed with IWMI. Patients were screened for RVI using right-sided precordial leads in electrocardiograms. Data on demographics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and Student's t-tests, were employed to identify significant associations between RVI and potential risk factors. Results: Of the 114 patients with IWMI, 42 (36.8%) were diagnosed with RVI. The mean age of participants was 53.17 ± 9.06 years, with a predominance of males (61.4%). Hypertension was identified as the most significant risk factor for RVI, with 65.2% of hypertensive patients developing RVI compared to 17.6% of non-hypertensive patients (p < 0.001). Other significant associations included smoking (56.7% of smokers had RVI, p = 0.008) and diabetes mellitus (58.3% of diabetics had RVI, p = 0.014), while gender and dyslipidemia were not statistically significant predictors. Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial prevalence of RVI among patients with IWMI, with hypertension emerging as the most critical risk factor. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive screening and management of hypertension and other modifiable risk factors in patients with IWMI to reduce the incidence of RVI and improve clinical outcomes.