How does echocardiography assist in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension?

Echocardiography assists in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension primarily by estimating right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and providing a comprehensive assessment of right heart function. This non-invasive imaging technique utilizes Doppler ultrasound to measure the velocity of blood flow through the tricuspid valve, which can then be used to calculate the pressure gradient between the right atrium and right ventricle. The calculated pressure gradient, combined with the estimated right atrial pressure, allows for the determination of the RVSP.

In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the elevated pressure in the pulmonary artery leads to increased workload for the right ventricle, which can be visualized on echocardiograms. Moreover, echocardiography can identify right ventricular dilation, hypertrophy, and overall function, providing valuable insights into how the right heart is coping with the increased pressure. By linking these findings with clinical symptoms and other tests, echocardiography becomes a crucial tool in both the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension.