For what reasons is a right heart catheterization performed?

Right heart catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used to assess hemodynamic status and evaluate various cardiac conditions. It is performed for multiple reasons, including heart failure, shock, and congenital heart disease, among others.

In cases of heart failure, right heart catheterization can help determine the severity of the condition, evaluate the filling pressures of the heart, and guide treatment decisions. This procedure allows healthcare providers to measure pressures in the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery, which are crucial in managing patients with heart failure.

In the context of shock, right heart catheterization can be particularly useful for determining the underlying cause, whether it be cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or obstructive shock. Measuring hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance can help clinicians tailor their interventions.

For congenital heart disease, right heart catheterization is often used to assess the anatomy and function of the right side of the heart and the pulmonary circulation. This information is critical in planning appropriate interventions or surgeries.

Since right heart catheterization serves to evaluate the hemodynamic status and provide guidance in treatment across a variety of clinical scenarios—such as heart failure, shock, and congenital heart defects—this procedure is indicated in all these conditions.