Pcwp & ami

[vsmedic]

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In AMI, why is the PCWP high?

Is it because the stroke volume has decreased, and therefore the afterload has increased?

 

[GotTheSikhness]

In AMI, why is the PCWP high?

Is it because the stroke volume has decreased, and therefore the afterload has increased?

PCWP is an indirect measurement of pressure in the left atrium. In AMI where the ability of the heart to pump blood into systemic circulation is significantly impaired thus blood backs up into the left atrium and subsequently branches of the pulmonary artery, which is where PCWP is measured.

It is a sign not a result of increased afterload, which is a result of hypertension.

 

[Captopril]

AMI=LHF=increased preload=increased PCWP

 

[vsmedic]

Thanks 🙂 much appreciated 🙂