Which areas are directly measured during a right heart catheterization?

During a right heart catheterization, the primary focus is on assessing the pressures and conditions of the right side of the heart and the major veins leading to it. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the patient's veins to reach the inferior or superior vena cava, allowing for direct measurement of pressures in the right atrium and right ventricle. Additionally, the catheter can advance into the pulmonary artery to measure pressures there as well, providing critical information about pulmonary circulation and right heart function.

This approach enables the clinician to evaluate conditions such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure by assessing the hemodynamics of these areas directly. Understanding these measurements is fundamental in managing various cardiovascular conditions, making the choice that highlights the superior vena cava, right atrium, and right ventricle particularly pertinent during this specific procedure.