Question

Patients with ___ have elevated right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary artery measures. They may have hyperdynamic left ventricular function with increased cardiac index. PCWP and SVR are generally not affected.

Answer 1

Patients with pulmonary hypertension have increased right heart pressures and may feature high cardiac index, while PCWP and SVR usually stay normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with pulmonary hypertension typically present with elevated right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary artery pressure measures. This condition can manifest as hyperdynamic left ventricular function, characterized by an increased cardiac index. However, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) often remain unaffected in such patients. Understanding the mechanisms behind the heart's pumping function, such as stroke volume (SV) and its determinants - preload, contractility, and afterload - is crucial in the context of cardiopulmonary disorders.