2.3 Hemodynamic Profiling and Invasive Hemodynamics

Key Takeaways

  • The Stevenson 2×2 hemodynamic matrix categorizes acute heart failure into four clinical profiles based on volume/congestion (Wet vs Dry; PCWP threshold 18 mmHg) and systemic perfusion (Warm vs Cold; Cardiac Index threshold 2.2 L/min/m2).
  • Profile B ('Warm and Wet') is the most common presentation of acute decompensated heart failure (~65–70% of admissions); treatment requires intravenous loop diuretics and preload/afterload-reducing vasodilators.
  • Profile C ('Cold and Wet') represents decompensated cardiogenic shock; management requires urgent inotropic support (dobutamine or milrinone) or temporary mechanical circulatory support before aggressive diuresis can be safely initiated.
  • Normal resting invasive hemodynamic parameters are: RAP 2–6 mmHg, PAP 20–30 / 8–12 mmHg, PCWP 6–12 mmHg, Cardiac Index 2.5–4.0 L/min/m2, and SVR 800–1200 dynes·s/cm5.
  • Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), measured from the distal pulmonary artery, normally ranges from 65% to 75%; an SvO2 < 60% indicates excessive peripheral tissue oxygen extraction secondary to inadequate forward cardiac output.
Last updated: September 2026

Hemodynamic Profiling and Invasive Hemodynamics

Precise hemodynamic assessment is fundamental to the evaluation and management of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and cardiogenic shock. Clinicians must rapidly determine two physiological dimensions: volume/congestion status (left and right ventricular filling pressures) and systemic perfusion status (forward cardiac output and end-organ delivery). While non-invasive bedside examination provides rapid clinical categorization, invasive hemodynamic monitoring via right heart catheterization (RHC / pulmonary artery catheter / Swan-Ganz) offers precise quantitative data to guide advanced medical and mechanical therapies.

The Clinical 2×2 Hemodynamic Matrix: Stevenson & Forrester Frameworks

Originally developed by Forrester for post-myocardial infarction shock and later adapted by Lynne Stevenson for bedside evaluation of chronic and acute heart failure, the 2×2 Hemodynamic Matrix categorizes patients into four distinct clinical profiles based on the presence or absence of congestion ('Wet' vs 'Dry') and hypoperfusion ('Cold' vs 'Warm').

                             PERFUSION STATUS
                   Warm (Adequate)           Cold (Hypoperfused)
               (CI > 2.2 L/min/m2)          (CI <= 2.2 L/min/m2)
           +--------------------------+--------------------------+
           |                          |                          |
    Dry    |        PROFILE A         |        PROFILE L         |
(Euvolemic)|      'Warm and Dry'      |      'Cold and Dry'      |
 PCWP <= 18|  - Compensated, stable  |  - Overdiuresed / lean   |
   mmHg    |  - Outpatient GDMT       |  - Cautious fluid trial  |
           |                          |                          |
CONGESTION +--------------------------+--------------------------+
  STATUS   |                          |                          |
    Wet    |        PROFILE B         |        PROFILE C         |
(Congested)|      'Warm and Wet'      |      'Cold and Wet'      |
 PCWP > 18 |  - 65-70% of admissions  |  - Cardiogenic shock     |
   mmHg    |  - IV Loop Diuretics     |  - Inotropes, pressors,  |
           |  - IV Vasodilators       |    MCS, diuresis later   |
           +--------------------------+--------------------------+

The Four Profiles: Assessment and Emergency Management

ProfileClinical QuadrantHemodynamic CriteriaClinical Signs & SymptomsImmediate Nursing & Medical Priorities
Profile AWarm and DryCI > 2.2 L/min/m²; PCWP ≤ 18 mmHgEuvolemic, warm extremities, normal pulses, no orthopnea, normal JVP (≤ 3 cm), no crackles, no edema.Baseline target. Optimize and titrate guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT: ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA, SGLT2i).
Profile BWarm and WetCI > 2.2 L/min/m²; PCWP > 18 mmHgAdequate perfusion with severe congestion: warm skin, normal pulse pressure, dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, elevated JVP, positive AJR, peripheral edema. Most common ADHF presentation (~65–70%).Decongestion: Administer intravenous loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide). Add IV vasodilators (nitroglycerin, nitroprusside) if blood pressure permits (SBP > 110 mmHg) to rapidly unload the ventricle.
Profile CCold and WetCI ≤ 2.2 L/min/m²; PCWP > 18 mmHgCombined congestion and hypoperfusion: cool, clammy extremities, narrow pulse pressure (< 25 mmHg), oliguria, elevated JVP, crackles, S3 gallop, lactic acidosis. Cardiogenic shock.Perfusion Restoration First: Administer inotropic infusions (dobutamine, milrinone). Add vasopressors (norepinephrine) if MAP < 65 mmHg. Escalate to temporary mechanical circulatory support (Impella, IABP). Avoid pure beta-blocker escalation. Cautious diuresis once perfusion is stabilized.
Profile LCold and DryCI ≤ 2.2 L/min/m²; PCWP ≤ 18 mmHgHypoperfusion without congestion ('L' for Low-output or Lean): cool extremities, narrow pulse pressure, fatigue, postural hypotension, low JVP, clear lungs, no edema, rising BUN/creatinine.Re-evaluation & Volume Challenge: Suspend diuretics. If overdiuresed, administer a cautious crystalloid fluid challenge (250 to 500 mL) under close hemodynamic observation. If filling pressures rise without perfusion improvement, consider inotropes.

Right Heart Catheterization (RHC / Pulmonary Artery Catheter)

While non-invasive examination categorizes most heart failure presentations, invasive hemodynamic monitoring via a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC / Swan-Ganz) is indicated when diagnostic or therapeutic uncertainty persists.

Clinical Indications for RHC

  1. Cardiogenic shock of uncertain or mixed etiology (e.g., differentiating cardiogenic shock from septic or vasodilatory shock).
  2. Persistent hemodynamic instability refractory to initial empirical inotropes, vasopressors, or diuretics.
  3. Guiding titration of complex vasoactive infusions and mechanical circulatory support devices (MCS).
  4. Evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and right heart function for heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidacy.
  5. Preoperative hemodynamic optimization in high-risk cardiac surgery.
[Introducer Sheath: Internal Jugular / Subclavian Vein]
                     |
                     v
[Right Atrial Port] --------------> RAP / CVP (Normal: 2-6 mmHg)
                     |
                     v  [Tricuspid Valve]
[Right Ventricle] ----------------> RVP (Systolic: 20-30 mmHg, Diastolic: 0-5 mmHg)
                     |
                     v  [Pulmonic Valve]
[Pulmonary Artery Distal Port] ---> PAP (Systolic: 20-30 mmHg, Diastolic: 8-12 mmHg)
                     |
                     v  [Balloon Inflated: Wedged in Capillary Branch]
[Wedge Position] -----------------> PCWP / PAOP (Normal: 6-12 mmHg; reflects LVEDP)

Invasive Hemodynamic Parameters, Reference Ranges, and Waveform Interpretation

ParameterAbbreviationNormal RangePrimary Clinical Interpretation in Heart Failure
Right Atrial PressureRAP / CVP2 to 6 mmHg (3 to 8 cm H₂O)Measures RV preload. Elevated (> 8–10 mmHg) in RV failure, tricuspid regurgitation, volume overload, and constrictive pericarditis.
Right Ventricular PressureRVPSystolic: 20 to 30 mmHg; End-Diastolic: 0 to 5 mmHgElevated systolic in pulmonary hypertension; elevated diastolic in RV volume overload or failure.
Pulmonary Artery PressurePAPSystolic: 20 to 30 mmHg; Diastolic: 8 to 12 mmHg; Mean: 10 to 20 mmHgMean PAP > 20 mmHg at rest defines pulmonary hypertension. Elevated diastolic indicates elevated downstream left-sided filling pressures or pulmonary vascular disease.
Pulmonary Capillary Wedge PressurePCWP / PAOP6 to 12 mmHgMeasures pulmonary capillary pressure; directly reflects left atrial pressure (LAP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in the absence of mitral stenosis. Congestion threshold > 18 mmHg; hydrostatic pulmonary edema ensues when PCWP > 20–25 mmHg.
Cardiac OutputCO4.0 to 8.0 L/minTotal forward volume of blood pumped per minute. Measured via thermodilution or Fick method.
Cardiac IndexCI2.5 to 4.0 L/min/m²Cardiac output standardized to body surface area (CI = CO/BSA). Cardiogenic shock threshold: CI < 2.2 L/min/m² (< 1.8 L/min/m² without support).
Systemic Vascular ResistanceSVR800 to 1200 dynes·s/cm⁵Afterload faced by the left ventricle. Markedly elevated (> 1400–2000) in cardiogenic shock due to compensatory vasoconstriction; low (< 800) in septic/distributive shock.
Pulmonary Vascular ResistancePVR0.5 to 2.0 Wood units (< 160 dynes·s/cm⁵)Resistance across the pulmonary circulation. Fixed elevation (> 3–5 Wood units) contraindicates isolated heart transplantation.
Mixed Venous Oxygen SaturationSvO₂65% to 75%Sampled from distal PA port. Measures residual oxygen returning to the right heart. Values < 60% indicate tissue hypoperfusion and excessive oxygen extraction.

The End-Expiration Measurement Rule for PCWP

  • The Rule: Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure and Pulmonary Artery Diastolic Pressure must always be measured at end-expiration.
  • Physiological Rationale: Respiration causes cyclical fluctuations in intrathoracic pressure. During spontaneous inspiration, intrathoracic pressure becomes negative, falsely lowering vascular pressures. At end-expiration, intrathoracic pressure is closest to atmospheric zero, ensuring that the transducer measures purely intravascular pressure.
  • Mechanical Ventilation Distinction: In positive-pressure mechanical ventilation, inspiration increases intrathoracic pressure, producing pressure peaks; end-expiration corresponds to the lowest point (trough) of the respiratory pressure waveform.

Thermodilution versus Indirect Fick Cardiac Output

  • Thermodilution Method: Relies on injecting a known volume of cold crystalloid into the right atrial port and measuring the downstream temperature curve at the distal thermistor.
    • Pitfall: Inaccurate in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (the regurgitant jet washes the thermal indicator back and forth, falsely underestimating cardiac output) or severe low-flow states.
  • Indirect Fick Method: Calculates cardiac output based on oxygen consumption (VO₂) and the arteriovenous oxygen difference: CO = VO₂/((CaO₂ - CvO₂) × 10).
    • Clinical Pearl: The Fick method is preferred in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation, intracardiac shunts, or low-output cardiogenic shock.

Formula Calculations

CI=COBSA\text{CI} = \frac{\text{CO}}{\text{BSA}} SVR=MAPRAPCO×80\text{SVR} = \frac{\text{MAP} - \text{RAP}}{\text{CO}} \times 80 PVR (Wood units)=mean PAPPCWPCO\text{PVR (Wood units)} = \frac{\text{mean PAP} - \text{PCWP}}{\text{CO}} Note: To convert PVR from Wood units to dynes·s/cm⁵, multiply by 80.

Mixed Venous (SvO₂) versus Central Venous (ScvO₂) Oxygen Saturation

  • Mixed Venous (SvO₂): Drawn exclusively from the distal port of a pulmonary artery catheter, representing true mixed venous blood from the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus. Normal range is 65% to 75%.
  • Tissue Extraction Physiology: When cardiac output falls, systemic tissues extract a higher percentage of delivered oxygen, dropping the SvO₂ below 60%. If SvO₂ falls below 50%, tissue anaerobiosis and lactic acidosis ensue.
  • Central Venous Saturation (ScvO₂): Drawn from a central venous catheter tip in the superior vena cava (pre-right atrium). Normal ScvO₂ is 70% to 75%, running approximately 5% higher than SvO₂ because it lacks the highly desaturated venous effluent of the coronary sinus.

PVR Reversibility Testing in Cardiac Transplantation

In heart failure evaluation, elevated pulmonary pressures can reflect passive backward transmission of elevated left ventricular filling pressures (post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, defined by PCWP > 15 mmHg and PVR < 2–3 Wood units) or chronic pulmonary arteriolar remodeling (pre-capillary component).

  • If the baseline PVR is > 3 to 5 Wood units, the patient must undergo pharmacological vasodilator challenge (using inhaled nitric oxide, intravenous nitroprusside, or milrinone).
  • If the PVR drops below 3 Wood units without causing severe systemic hypotension, the pulmonary hypertension is deemed reversible, and the patient remains eligible for orthotopic heart transplantation.
  • If PVR remains fixed above 3 to 5 Wood units, the donor heart's unadapted right ventricle would face acute afterload mismatch and fail post-transplant, necessitating consideration of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to allow long-term unloading or combined heart-lung transplantation.

Clinical Case Scenario

A 61-year-old male with an acute anterior STEMI undergoes emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting of the LAD. After the procedure, in the cardiac ICU, he is oliguric (15 mL/h), confused, and cool to his mid-thighs. His blood pressure is 82/60 mmHg (MAP 67 mmHg), and heart rate is 104 bpm. A pulmonary artery catheter is placed, yielding the following measurements: RAP 15 mmHg, PAP 46/26 mmHg (mean PAP 33 mmHg), PCWP 24 mmHg (at end-expiration), CO 3.0 L/min, BSA 1.9 m², and distal PA SvO₂ 46%.

Hemodynamic Calculations & Profile:

  1. CI = (3.0 L/min)/(1.9 m²) = 1.58 L/min/m² (Severely depressed; shock threshold < 2.2).
  2. SVR = (67 - 15)/3.0 × 80 = 52/3.0 × 80 = 1387 dynes·s/cm⁵ (Markedly elevated compensatory vasoconstriction).
  3. PVR = (33 - 24)/3.0 = 9/3.0 = 3.0 Wood units.
  4. Profile: Profile C ("Cold and Wet") cardiogenic shock with elevated filling pressures (PCWP 24, RAP 15), severely depressed cardiac index (1.58), high SVR (1387), and intense tissue oxygen extraction (SvO₂ 46%).

Emergency Management: The nurse recognizes that immediate administration of an inotrope (dobutamine) or placement of a mechanical circulatory support device (such as an Impella microaxial pump) is required to restore forward perfusion. Diuretics alone would further drop stroke volume and precipitate cardiovascular collapse.

Test Your Knowledge

An acute care nurse evaluates a patient admitted with acute decompensated heart failure who is dyspneic at rest with bibasilar crackles, 3+ bilateral lower extremity edema, and a JVP of 6 cm above the sternal angle. The patient's extremities are warm to the touch, capillary refill is 1.5 seconds, blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg, and urine output is 65 mL/h. Which Stevenson hemodynamic profile does this patient exhibit, and what is the first-line pharmacotherapy?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

A patient in the cardiac intensive care unit with acute cardiogenic shock secondary to severe ischemic cardiomyopathy has a pulmonary artery catheter in place. The nurse records the following measurements: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) 65 mmHg, Right Atrial Pressure (RAP) 14 mmHg, Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) 22 mmHg, Cardiac Output (CO) 3.2 L/min, Body Surface Area (BSA) 2.0 m2, and Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation (SvO2) 48%. What do the calculated Cardiac Index (CI), Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), and SvO2 reveal about the patient's hemodynamic state?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

A 52-year-old female with end-stage non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is undergoing evaluation for orthotopic heart transplantation. Baseline right heart catheterization reveals a mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) of 38 mmHg, a PCWP of 18 mmHg, and a Cardiac Output of 4.0 L/min. During inhaled nitric oxide testing, mPAP decreases to 24 mmHg, PCWP remains 16 mmHg, and CO increases to 4.5 L/min. How should the heart failure team interpret the baseline and vasodilator Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR)?

A
B
C
D