What does left heart catheterization primarily evaluate?

Left heart catheterization primarily evaluates coronary artery anatomy and left ventricular function. This procedure involves inserting a catheter into the coronary arteries via the femoral or radial artery to visualize the coronary anatomy. Through imaging techniques, it allows healthcare providers to assess for any blockages, stenosis, or other abnormalities in the coronary arteries that could affect cardiac function or lead to ischemic heart disease.

Additionally, left heart catheterization provides valuable information about left ventricular function by measuring pressures within the left ventricle and the aorta, as well as assessing contractility. The hemodynamic data acquired from this procedure is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valvular heart disease.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of cardiac evaluation. Right atrial pressure and pulmonary blood flow are primarily evaluated through right heart catheterization, which assesses the right side of the heart and pulmonary circulation. Mitral and tricuspid valve function are assessed through echocardiography or other imaging techniques rather than through left heart catheterization. Blood oxygen levels in the right heart chambers would also involve a right heart catheterization, which is focused on pulmonary and systemic venous blood. Therefore, left heart catheterization's primary role is clearly linked to