ABSTRACT
Dynamic blood pressure is the propulsive force generated in the cardiovascular system by rhythmic ventricular contractions that generate pulsatile blood flow in arteries that in turn dissipates into constant low-pressure flow in the capillary circulation. Right or left heart cardiac catheterisation records pressure as continuous rhythmic waveforms from the intracardiac chambers and great vessels by means of catheters inserted directly into arteries or veins, each chamber or vessel having its own distinctive pattern with characteristics that reflect underlying pathologies. This chapter describes how the mechanical and physiological responses to pressure variations during the cardiac cycle assist investigations of valve disease and other cardiac abnormalities.
