During right heart catheterization, which pressures are typically measured to assess cardiac filling and function?

• A. Aortic pressure and LV pressure.
• B. Right atrial, right ventricular, pulmonary artery pressures, and PCWP.
• C. Left atrial pressure.
• D. Pulmonary capillary oxygen content.

Answer: (B)

Measuring filling and overall hemodynamics with a right heart catheter focuses on pressures from the right heart into the lungs, plus a surrogate for left-sided filling pressure. The important set includes the right atrial pressure (central venous pressure), right ventricular pressures (systolic and diastolic), and pulmonary artery pressures (systolic, diastolic, and mean). In addition, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is obtained by inflating the balloon to occlude a small distal pulmonary artery branch; this wedge pressure closely estimates left atrial pressure and therefore left-sided filling pressures.

These measurements together help assess preload, right and left-sided pressures, and overall cardiac function, including how the ventricles fill and how resistance in the pulmonary circulation might be affecting performance. Aortic pressure and LV pressure require left-sided access, not typical for a right heart study. Left atrial pressure is not measured directly in this approach; PCWP serves as its surrogate. Pulmonary capillary oxygen content is not a pressure and isn’t part of the filling-pressure assessment.