right heart catheterization
Also written as: RHC — right heart catheterization
Invasive procedure measuring pressures in the right side of the heart and pulmonary circulation.
Full Definition
Right heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a catheter through a vein (typically the jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein) and advancing it to the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries. The procedure measures pressures in the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries, as well as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, which reflects left atrial pressure. Right heart catheterization is essential for diagnosing and managing pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and other conditions affecting the right heart or pulmonary circulation. The procedure can also measure cardiac output using thermodilution or Fick methods and calculate pulmonary vascular resistance.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as RHC; distinguish from left heart catheterization which evaluates coronary arteries.
In Context
- "Right heart catheterization confirmed severe pulmonary hypertension with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance." — hemodynamic assessment report
- "The patient underwent right heart catheterization to evaluate for heart transplant candidacy." — pre-transplant evaluation