Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

What is one potential consequence of an increased LVEDP?

1. Increased peripheral resistance

2. Decreased aortic pressure

3. Increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)

4. Decreased systemic circulation

The correct answer is: Increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)

An increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) often indicates a rise in pressure within the left ventricle at the end of diastole, which can lead to changes in pulmonary circulation. Specifically, as the LVEDP rises, it can cause the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries to increase as well. This is because the left ventricle and pulmonary circulation are closely interconnected; elevated pressures in the left ventricle during diastole can transmit backward into the pulmonary circulation. As a result, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), which reflects the pressure in the pulmonary artery and, by extension, the left atrial pressure, will also rise. This is particularly significant in conditions such as heart failure, where LVEDP can become markedly elevated, resulting in pulmonary congestion and edema. The relationship between LVEDP and PCWP is crucial for understanding heart function and diagnosing various cardiac conditions. The other options illustrate different physiological concepts that do not directly correlate with an increased LVEDP. Increased peripheral resistance, decreased aortic pressure, and decreased systemic circulation involve other mechanisms and systemic responses that are not as directly linked to LVEDP as the relationship with PCWP.