Which statement about CVP limitations is true?

Which statement about CVP limitations is true?

• A. CVP directly measures stroke volume
• B. CVP accurately reflects left ventricular systolic function
• C. CVP reliably determines right heart function in isolation
• D. CVP may not reflect true ventricular function because failure of either ventricle can widen end-diastolic pressures

Answer: (D)

CVP measures pressure in the right atrium and reflects preload and venous return, not direct ventricular contractile function. It’s influenced by many factors, including intrathoracic pressure, venous tone, and how both ventricles interact. Because end-diastolic pressures in either ventricle can rise when either ventricle fails, CVP may be elevated or altered for reasons that don’t accurately reveal how well the heart is pumping. In other words, CVP does not tell you about stroke volume or left ventricular systolic function, and it can’t reliably gauge right-heart function in isolation. This is why CVP may not reflect true ventricular function—failure of either ventricle can widen end-diastolic pressures, distorting the relation between CVP and actual cardiac performance.

CVP measures pressure in the right atrium and reflects preload and venous return, not direct ventricular contractile function. It’s influenced by many factors, including intrathoracic pressure, venous tone, and how both ventricles interact. Because end-diastolic pressures in either ventricle can rise when either ventricle fails, CVP may be elevated or altered for reasons that don’t accurately reveal how well the heart is pumping. In other words, CVP does not tell you about stroke volume or left ventricular systolic function, and it can’t reliably gauge right-heart function in isolation. This is why CVP may not reflect true ventricular function—failure of either ventricle can widen end-diastolic pressures, distorting the relation between CVP and actual cardiac performance.