In 34 HF patients (mean age 56 ± 13 years), we measured longitudinal strain at the right ventricular free wall, interventricular septum, and left ventricular lateral wall. Right ventricular and left ventricular dyssynchrony were defined as the difference in time to peak strain between the right ventricular free wall and the septum and between the left ventricular lateral wall and septum, respectively. Mean right ventricular dyssynchrony was 59 ± 45 ms and the mean left ventricular dyssynchrony was 80 ± 62 ms. We found a strong correlation between right ventricular dyssynchrony and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = 0.73; P < .001) and a negative correlation between right ventricular dyssynchrony and right ventricular fractional area change (r = −0.43; P < .02).
HF patients exhibit right ventricular dyssynchrony by strain imaging which correlates with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction.