Association Between GRACE Score and Right Ventricular Function Assessed by 3D Echocardiography in Patients With Acute Inferior STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective This pilot study aimed to explore the association between the GRACE score and right ventricular (RV) function, including ejection fraction, volumes, and stroke volume, assessed using three‐dimensional echocardiography in patients with acute inferior STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Methods This cross‐sectional pilot study was conducted in the angiography department of Qaem Hospital, Mashhad, from January 2020 to June 2021. Patients with acute inferior STEMI who underwent successful primary PCI and were hemodynamically stable were included. Three‐dimensional echocardiography was performed 24–48 h after PCI. The GRACE in‐hospital mortality risk score was calculated at admission. Associations between GRACE score and RV parameters were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression. Results A total of 40 patients (mean age 56.75 ± 11.31 years; 70% male) were included. Significant negative correlations were observed between GRACE score and RV end‐diastolic volume ( r = −0.314, p = 0.048) and stroke volume ( r = −0.340, p = 0.032). Heart rate also showed significant associations with left and right ventricular functional parameters. Conclusion This study demonstrates an exploratory association between GRACE score and right ventricular function in patients with acute inferior STEMI undergoing primary PCI. These findings are hypothesis‐generating and require validation in larger prospective studies with clinical outcomes.