Right heart catheterization (RHC) is considered the gold standard test for diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension. During this procedure, a thin flexible tube is inserted through a blood vessel in your neck, groin, or arm and guided to your heart and pulmonary arteries.
The key measurements that help diagnose PAH Show Full Answer
Right heart catheterization (RHC) is considered the gold standard test for diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension. During this procedure, a thin flexible tube is inserted through a blood vessel in your neck, groin, or arm and guided to your heart and pulmonary arteries.
The key measurements that help diagnose PAH include:
• Right atrial pressure
• Pulmonary vascular resistance
• Venous oxygen saturation
• Cardiac index The procedure typically takes about an hour and may be performed during follow-up exams to monitor disease progression. RHC provides the most accurate measurements of blood pressure in the arteries and heart, which is essential for confirming a PAH diagnosis.
October 22, 2025
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