St Vincents Private Hospitals

Haemodynamic monitoring is a type of procedure that assesses how well blood flows around your body and measures the pressure in your heart. Investigating any changes in blood flow can help prevent further heart complications such as a stroke. Some haemodynamic monitoring methods are non-invasive. These include heart rate monitoring, blood pressure measurement, ECG testing and evaluation of blood oxygen levels. Where the condition is more serious, such as with cardiomyopathy, heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, an invasive procedure may be recommended. This type of haemodynamic monitoring may also use a special type of imaging to help your doctor understand more about your condition.

How does it work?

Invasive haemodynamic monitoring is sometimes referred to as right heart catheterisation. A catheter is carefully inserted into the right side of the heart using a vein in the neck or groin area to measure the pressure in the heart and lungs. The catheter may also contain a tracer that can be tracked by an external camera. This ensures the catheter is in the right place, and enables it to provide detailed images and important information about your heart health and how well you are able to pump blood around your body. In some cases, your doctor may administer heart medication in the same procedure.

Why do I need it?

Haemodynamic monitoring is a procedure that assesses how well blood flows around your body and measures the pressure in your heart. Investigating any changes in blood flow can help prevent further heart complications such as stroke. Some haemodynamic monitoring methods are non-invasive, including heart rate monitoring, blood pressure measurement, ECG testing, and evaluation of blood oxygen levels. In more serious conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension, an invasive procedure may be recommended. This type of haemodynamic monitoring may also use specialized imaging to provide a more detailed understanding of your condition.

How does it work?

Invasive haemodynamic monitoring, sometimes referred to as right heart catheterization, involves inserting a catheter into the right side of the heart through a vein in the neck or groin. This catheter measures the pressure in the heart and lungs and may contain a tracer tracked by an external camera to ensure proper placement. This allows detailed imaging and provides critical information about heart health and blood circulation. In some cases, heart medication may be administered during the procedure.

Why do I need it?

Haemodynamic monitoring helps diagnose and manage a range of heart conditions, including heart failure, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, and any type of shock. It is also performed before a heart transplant to ensure optimal operating conditions and to assess how well the transplanted heart is functioning afterward.