PCWP
Medical abbreviation · Cardiology
| Stands for | Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PCWP stands for Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, a cardiology abbreviation.
Pressure measured when a balloon-tipped catheter in a pulmonary artery branch is inflated and "wedged," giving an indirect estimate of left atrial pressure. Normal values are about 6 to 12 mmHg; values above 15 indicate elevated left-sided filling pressure.
Example: PCWP 28 mmHg with V waves to 45: severe MR suspected.
Usage notes
Also called pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure. It helps distinguish cardiogenic pulmonary edema from ARDS, in which wedge pressure is normal, and separates pre- from post-capillary pulmonary hypertension. Readings are taken at end-expiration to minimize the effect of breathing.
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- OM – Obtuse marginal artery
- OPCAB – Off-pump coronary artery bypass
- PAC – Premature atrial contraction
- PAD – Peripheral artery disease
- PAF – Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
- PCI – Percutaneous coronary intervention
- PDA – Patent ductus arteriosus
- PEA – Pulseless electrical activity
- PFO – Patent foramen ovale
- PMI – Point of maximal impulse
- POBA – Plain old balloon angioplasty
- POTS – Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.