Invasive Hemodynamics in the Catheterization Laboratory

Book excerpt: Hemodynamics remain fundamental to appreciating the clinical presentation of many cardiovascular disorders and, in clinical practice, the examination of the pressure waveforms can assist in establishing diagnoses and treatment. This book is a self-assessment and review of invasive hemodynamics, containing a wide variety of common pressure waveforms organized into a case review format, including pertinent questions. The answers discuss interpretation of data, focusing on clinical findings that are helpful for clinical decision-making. This review is designed to stimulate thought and prepare the reader for questions that may be encountered on various board examinations. The questions and answers contain relevant didactic, as well as, clinical information and will provide the motivation for further study of hemodynamic problems in clinical practice.