Which measurement indicates the preload of the right heart?

The central venous pressure (CVP) is a direct measure of the pressure in the right atrium and is a critical indicator of preload for the right side of the heart. Preload refers to the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers before contraction, primarily influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart.

When assessing the right heart’s preload, CVP provides vital information about the venous return and fluid status of the patient. It allows clinicians to gauge the effectiveness of fluid resuscitation or the need for further intervention in managing volume status. It is also particularly beneficial in situations where patients are at risk of developing fluid overload or in cases of right heart failure, making it an essential measurement in critical care settings.

Other pressures, such as pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular pressure, and wedge pressure, relate to different aspects of cardiac function and hemodynamics but do not specifically represent the preload of the right heart. Pulmonary artery pressure measures the pressure in the pulmonary artery and reflects the left heart’s function and pulmonary circulation, while the wedge pressure (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) estimates left atrial pressure, correlating with left heart preload. Right ventricular pressure itself may provide insight into right heart performance but does not specifically quantify