Standardization of Baseline and Provocative Invasive Hemodynamic Protocols for the Evaluation of Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension

Published: January 06, 2026

Figure 1 One of several hemodynamic protocols used in the assessment of advanced heart failure
  • Invasive hemodynamic protocols are essential for diagnosing and managing heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, with tailored testing guiding individual patient care and transplant eligibility.
  • Serial right heart catheterizations and continuous pressure monitoring play critical roles in tracking disease progression, optimizing LVAD therapy, and reducing heart failure hospitalizations for high-risk patients.
  • Acute vasoreactivity testing, fluid challenges, and exercise hemodynamic measurements help uncover occult pulmonary hypertension and predict patient outcomes, but further research is needed to refine approaches and therapeutic targets.
 

Invasive Hemodynamic Protocols for the Evaluation of Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension

Writing Group Chair Mark N. Belkin, MD and Vice Chair Marat Fudim, MD announce the publication of a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association that addresses the need to standardize common baseline and provocative invasive hemodynamic protocols commonly used for the evaluation of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.