The Right Heart

The heart and lung are intricately linked. When the heart is affected by disease, the lungs will often show some related pathological or clinical conditions and vice versa. Pulmonary heart disease is by definition a condition when the lungs cause the heart to fail. The left ventricle in combination with the other structures in the “left heart” pumps blood throughout the body. The right ventricle (and structures of the “right heart”) pumps blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and returned to the left heart for distribution. In normal circumstances, the right heart pumps blood into the lungs without any resistance. The lungs usually have minimal pressure and the right heart easily pumps blood through. However when there is lung disease present, like emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension- the small blood vessels become very stiff and rigid. The right ventricle is no longer able to push blood into the lungs and eventually fails. This is known as pulmonary heart disease. Pulmonary heart disease is also known as right heart failure or cor pulmonale. The chief cause of right heart failure is the increase in blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary artery).

This comprehensive book describes the structure, function and imaging of the normal right heart both at rest and under the stresses of high altitude and exercise. It continues with a detailed examination of the pathophysiology and pathobiology of right heart dysfunction, both in experimental models and human disease, including congenital heart disease. Right heart dysfunction caused by pulmonary hypertension is discussed in particular detail.

The Right Heart brings together a distinguished group of contributors to discuss the advances in the topic that have occurred over the last few years and provides a concise and up-to-date resource for clinicians By compiling this comprehensive state-of-the-art text on the subject, the Editors have created an indispensable reference for future work by those interested in the cardiopulmonary circuit. This book will appeal to respiratory physicians, cardiologists and intensivists, all of whom will share the Editors’ belief that the right heart is fundamental to integrated cardiopulmonary performance.