Elevated right atrial pressures often indicate issues with which part of the heart?

Elevated right atrial pressures are primarily indicative of issues with the right ventricle. This elevation occurs because the right atrium receives blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava, and it is responsible for delivering this blood to the right ventricle. If the right ventricle is impaired—due to conditions such as right ventricular hypertrophy, valvular disease, or heart failure—it can lead to increased pressure in the right atrium as it struggles to effectively move blood into the right ventricle.

When the right ventricle fails or is unable to contract efficiently, it causes blood to back up into the right atrium, thus increasing the pressure there. Therefore, monitoring right atrial pressure can provide valuable insight into the functioning of the right ventricle and its ability to handle the incoming blood flow. This is crucial for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions.