During which type of myocardial infarction is a right ventricular infarct most commonly found?

A right ventricular infarct is most commonly associated with an inferior wall myocardial infarction. This correlation arises from the anatomy of coronary artery supply. The inferior wall of the left ventricle, typically supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) in right-dominant individuals, also supplies the right ventricle.

When there is a significant obstruction in the RCA, it can lead to ischemia not only of the inferior wall but also of the right ventricle. The right ventricle is particularly vulnerable during inferior wall infarctions because it relies heavily on the RCA for blood supply. Evidence of a right-sided infarct can manifest clinically with signs such as hypotension and elevated jugular venous pressure due to compromised right ventricular function.

While anterior wall myocardial infarctions typically involve the left anterior descending artery and might affect the left ventricular function, they do not have a direct association with right ventricular infarcts. Similarly, lateral and posterior wall infarctions involve different coronary artery territories and do not conventionally lead to right ventricular damage. Thus, the link between inferior wall myocardial infarctions and right ventricular infarcts underscores the significance of coronary artery supply dynamics in identifying and managing cardiac conditions.