Question

What is the LA pressure associated with pulmonary hypertension (chronic) and pulmonary edema (acute) in patients with mitral stenosis?

1) Low LA pressure
2) Normal LA pressure
3) High LA pressure
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

In patients with mitral stenosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension is associated with high LA pressure, while in acute pulmonary edema, the LA pressure can be normal or high.

Step-by-step explanation:

In patients with mitral stenosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension can result in high left atrial (LA) pressure. This is because the narrowing of the mitral valve obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, causing increased pressure on the left side of the heart.

In acute pulmonary edema, on the other hand, the LA pressure can be normal or high. This is because the excessive leakage of fluid in the lungs increases the hydrostatic pressure within the pulmonary capillaries, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the left atrium and subsequent elevation of its pressure.