Hemodynamic Measurements in Pulmonary Hypertension

Terminology and Guidelines

• The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) consistently use "pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)" as the standard terminology when defining pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PAWP ≤15 mmHg) and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PAWP >15 mmHg) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• The American College of Radiology (ACR) employs "pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP)" when describing hemodynamic classifications of pulmonary hypertension 6, 7

Measurement Technique and Interpretation

• Proper measurement technique is essential, with the pressure measured at end-expiration, and the catheter properly wedged, to ensure accurate readings 8