What findings would hemodynamics show in a patient with CHF or pulmonary edema?

In a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema, hemodynamic measurements typically demonstrate increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).

This is due to the heart's reduced ability to pump efficiently, leading to elevated pressure in the pulmonary circulation. In CHF, fluid tends to back up into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. As a result, the elevation in PCWP reflects the increased left atrial pressure, which is a consequence of impaired forward flow from the left ventricle. Similarly, PAP rises because of the congestive state and increased volume overload in the pulmonary artery.

Understanding these measurements is critical in diagnosing and managing conditions like CHF, as they help assess the severity of fluid overload and guide treatment strategies, such as fluid management and diuretics. Increased PAP and PCWP are indicative of hemodynamic stress in the pulmonary system, characteristic of both CHF and pulmonary edema.