Left and Right heart cath at same time?

[Glasscrafter]

I am scheduled for a right heart cath to check pressures for a pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. My echo showed left ventricular hypertrophy also. I think I should have both a left and right heart cath to check for the reasons for the hypertrophy since I don't have high blood pressure, am not obese and don't have diabetes. I do have a connective tissue disease. My previous two echoes showed left ventricular diastolic dysfunction but the most recent one didn't. Was this just "missed" on the last echo or can it disappear while hypertrophy remains? Should I insist on both sides of the heart being catherized?

[maggiemag]

I would insist on it myself. :-)  If you have any hint of left heart disease I think it would be appropriate.  The right heart cath can show an elevated wedge pressure which would indicate a left heart problem but as long as you are there, why not do it?  Since the DD is a relatively new finding, and echos are getting more and more sensitive, I would think it is possible to have some mild degree of DD and maybe the tech overlooked it.  Also remember, those with left heart disease and elevated pulmonary pressures are best treated for the left heart problem.  This kind of PH is very common and much less serious than those who do not any left heart disease or no other known cause. called Idiopathic PAH.  You are right to be concerned, though, since you already have a connective tissue disease.