Abstract
Since the discovery of right ventricular infarction, interest in the characteristics of the right ventricle has been increasing. Right ventricular function is now known to be a predictor of mortality in different settings. The right ventricle is a low-pressure, high-compliance, high-volume chamber. To carry out its normal function, it is coupled to the pulmonary circulation and the left ventricle. In the face of acute changes in pressure, volume overload and ischemia, it dilates to adapt to its new load. Its manifestation may be ventricular dysfunction and/or failure that will progress to cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular involvement. Various entities may be the cause of acute dysfunction: right ventricular infarction (alterations in contractility due to ischemia) and high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism (increased afterload). Both share a similar ventricular pathophysiology and high mortality without treatment. Understanding anatomy and physiology, dysfunction and acute ventricular failure are important to define a convenient diagnosis and treatment oriented towards pathophysiology. In this first part, the anatomy and physiology, acute right ventricular dysfunction/failure and cardiogenic shock are taken into consideration, from the perspective of these two entities. In another paper, treatment aimed at cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular involvement will be reviewed.