Respiratory Acidosis in ICU Patients

Right heart dysfunction remains a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Respiratory acidosis, particularly when accompanied by hypoxemia, plays a significant role in right heart failure, primarily by increasing right ventricular afterload through pulmonary vasoconstriction and elevated pulmonary arterial pressures. This phenomenon leads to increased right ventricular workload, causing dilation, decreased contractility, and ultimately right heart failure. The study aims to evaluate the effect of respiratory acidosis on right ventricular function after cardiac surgery.