A simple technique for bedside estimation of left atrial pressure.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea is clinically important, and a reliable noninvasive measure of left atrial pressure (LAP) is needed. Subtracting the peak systolic gradient between left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) from the central systolic blood pressure (BP) should provide this measure. Using a commercially available blood pressure system incorporating applanation tonometry and bedside echocardiography, we tested this hypothesis in a broad spectrum of patients.

METHODS: A total of 75 stable patients, scheduled for right heart catheterization for any reason, were included. Central systolic pressure was measured by a Sphygmocor® tonometry system; peak LV-LA gradient was calculated as 4*(peak mitral regurgitation (MR) velocity)

RESULTS: Left atrial pressure estimates using central BP showed a good correlation with wedge pressure (r

CONCLUSIONS: The use of central systolic BP and peak LV-LA gradient by bedside echocardiography holds promise as a noninvasive measure of LAP. Our results are similar to those provided using current guidelines for echocardiographic estimation of LAP. Increased precision in the measurement of LV-LA gradient would improve the accuracy of this new technique.

Volume

36

Issue

11

First Page

1972

Last Page

1978

ISSN

1540-8175

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

31661574

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division

Document Type

Article

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